HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (August 22, 2011) - The University of Alabama in Huntsville is launching the Aegis Combat System (ACS) Certificate program this fall to educate participants and enable contractors and government organizations to develop an informed and responsive workforce. The program is designed to provide both a broad understanding of the system, its history and missions, and a high-level study of its design, engineering and technical features, according to Jo Ann Jones, director of the university's Professional Development division. "In challenging economic times, building on existing strengths, such as Huntsville's rich history of missile, radar, aviation, and systems design and development, prepares an already well-equipped workforce for new opportunities," she said. In March 2011, the United States announced the deployment of the USS Monterey, a Ticonderoga Class Aegis Cruiser, to the Mediterranean to begin a sustained deployment of Aegis BMD-capable ships in support of the European Phased Adaptive Approach. Also, MDA and the Navy's interests in a land-based alternative to Aegis afloat, a new Air and Missile Defense Radar system and further Standard Missile development is on the rise. With the Missile Defense Agency relocating some operations to Huntsville and numerous MDA contractors already having a Huntsville presence, there is escalating local interest in support of Aegis Weapon System elements, especially radar and missile design, and manufacture, Jones said. "As the ballistic missile defense initiative continues to evolve, government and industry organizations are taking the necessary steps to further educate employees and prepare them for BMD development opportunities." The program will be led by instructors who are Aegis subject matter experts. Aegis Combat System Certificate offers the opportunity to learn from respected industry leaders, Jones added. The program consists of four short courses, which provide a resource to establish a foundation in Naval language, Aegis Systems engineering, weapon and combat system elements, and future strategies. The demand for Aegis systems education is high. The initial session of the first course is filled, and a second session beginning September 28 has been scheduled to meet the demand. Course content is non-classified; however, US citizenship is required to attend classes.For complete course and registration information visit www.cps.uah.edu/Aegis or phone 256.824.6372. UAHuntsville Division of Professional Studies offers more than 100 programs, which can assist organizations in reaching their employee development goals in the areas of engineering, management, and information technology. Programs may be customized for organization's specific requirements. For further information, phone 256.824.6372. For more information:Ray Garner256.824.6397 (256.UAH/NEWS)ray.garner@uah.eduORJo Ann Jones256.824.2808joann.jones@uah.edu