Harris Corporation's Gerald J. Dittberner Elected Fellow of the American Meteorological Society

Industry Thought Leader and Harris GOES-R Team Member Honored for Decades of Contributions


WASHINGTON, Jan. 19  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) meteorologist and senior systems engineer Gerald Dittberner, Ph.D., was elected a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for his 45 years of outstanding contributions to the atmospheric sciences and their applications. Just 31 of 14,000 AMS members received this honor in 2010.

Dr. Dittberner, a Certified Consulting Meteorologist and Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, has written more than 50 scientific publications, technical papers and presentations.  His career spans a variety of meteorology and climate initiatives and positions in military, government and private industries.  These include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where he was chief of Advanced Technology Studies and Analysis from 2001 to 2007, and manager of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program from 1995 to 2001.

Today, he is a member of the Harris engineering team for the 10-year, $736 million GOES -- Series R Ground Segment (GOES-R GS) program.  GOES-R GS is designed to enable forecasters to monitor and assess fast-moving, dangerous weather by deciphering satellite images of the Earth 40 times faster than what is possible today.

"Being elected a Fellow of the AMS is a very great honor and provides increased opportunities to contribute to the AMS and to meteorology in general," said Dr. Dittberner.  "Meteorologists work hard every day to use their skills for the good of society.  I am proud to have participated in initiatives that benefit the public, such as the successful launch of four GOES satellites and serving my country as a USAF meteorologist."

Dr. Dittberner has been recognized for numerous achievements throughout his career. These honors include:

  --  NASA Group Achievement Award and Medal for Outstanding Teamwork, GOES
      N-Q Spacecraft Source Selection Acquisition Team.
  --  NASA Group Achievement Award for the Solar X-Ray Imager Project Team.
  --  NASA Group Achievement Award for the NASA-Industry Team for
      development and implementation of launching GOES-9.
  --  American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Distinguished
      Service Award.
  --  USAF Meritorious Service Medal.



Dr. Dittberner has a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, a master's degree in Meteorology and Space Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, and a doctorate in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin.  In addition to being a Fellow of AMS, he is a member of the National Weather Association, the American Geophysical Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences, as well as the advancement of their professional applications. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of more than 14,000 professionals, professors, students and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes nine atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic journals - in print and online; sponsors more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets worldwide. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees -- including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at http://www.harris.com/ 

DATASOURCE: Harris Corporation



CONTACT:  Sleighton Meyer, Harris Government Communications Systems,

[phone], , Jim Burke, Harris Corporation,

[phone],  or Marc Raimondi, Harris Corporation -

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Web Site:  http://www.harris.com/ 

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