EXHIBIT 32.1



                                ESSEX CORPORATION



                           SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION



In connection  with the annual report of Essex  Corporation  (the  "Company") on
Form 10-K for the period ended  December  28, 2003 as filed with the  Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), I, Leonard E. Moodispaw, Chief Executive
Officer  of the  Company,  hereby  certify  as of the date  hereof,  solely  for
purposes of Title 18, Chapter 63,  Section 1350 of the United States Code,  that
to the best of my knowledge:

              (1) the Report fully  complies  with the  requirements  of Section
                  13(a) or 15(d), as applicable,  of the Securities Exchange Act
                  of 1934, and

              (2) the information  contained in the Report fairly  presents,  in
                  all material respects,  the financial condition and results of
                  operations  of the  Company  at the dates and for the  periods
                  indicated.

This  Certification  has not been,  and shall not be  deemed,  "filed"  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



Date: March 15, 2004                     /S/ LEONARD E. MOODISPAW
                                         -------------------------------------
                                         Leonard E. Moodispaw
                                         President and Chief Executive Officer