General John W. Handy, USAF, Joins Horizon Lines

Business Wire, Sept 8, 2005

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- U. S. Air Force General John W. Handy, retiring Commander of the United States Transportation Command and the United States Air Mobility Command will affiliate with Horizon Lines, America's largest domestic ocean carrier, he announced today.

He will work directly with Charles G. (Chuck) Raymond, who is Chairman, President and CEO of Horizon Lines.

General Handy, who has headed the two military transportation commands, retired yesterday, following a distinguished 39-year career in the United States Air Force. He has served for over four years as Commanding General of USTRANSCOM, the single transportation manager for air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense.

In describing his role at Horizon Lines, General Handy said, "In carrying out my military responsibilities I have been quite impressed with the customer focus and delivery reliability at Horizon Lines. Chuck Raymond and his team have taken the company to new service levels and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to Horizon's growth."

Mr. Raymond commented: "John Handy will contribute in many ways to the strengthening of Horizon Lines and to the capabilities we offer our customers today and for the future. He has been a forceful and creative leader at the US Transportation Command and a bold and steady supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine who has consistently spoken out for a strong U. S. Flag fleet to support the defense of our country. "

In commenting on General Handy's announcement, Michael Sacco, President of the nation's largest seafarer union commented: "We at the Seafarers International Union are thrilled to see General Handy working with Horizon Lines. Horizon has the heritage of Sea-Land, the strength of our maritime legacy and the leadership to play a significant role in the defense of our nation. John Handy has always reached out to labor to partner in creative ways and has our deepest respect. As a labor partner with Horizon Lines we welcome this American hero to our fold."

General Handy is a graduate of Methodist College of Fayetteville, NC, earned his Master's degree in Systems Management from The University of Southern California, attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and received his Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Methodist College (1992). In November, General Handy will be a recipient of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea award.

Horizon Lines, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina is the Nation's largest carrier of containerized cargoes between the continental United States and Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. The company operates sixteen American-flag ships and manages nine other vessels for various branches of the U.S. Government. Horizon is also the parent of Horizon Services Group, of Dallas, Texas - a provider of transportation management information solutions.

Memo editors: Photo of General Handy available on request