TAUNTON, Mass., May 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard has selected General Dynamics C4 Systems to provide sustainment services for its monitoring system for coastlines and inland waterways.
The system, called Rescue 21, is comprised of 232 fixed towers and related facilities, including command-and- control centers. With direction-finding technologies and digital communications, they enable the Coast Guard to rapidly respond to emergency calls and coordinate rescue efforts with various authorities.
As well as supporting rescue efforts, Rescue 21 supports the Coast Guard's homeland security missions -- drug interdiction, defense readiness and law enforcement – and is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's nationwide command-and-control network for communications.
"The Rescue 21 system's 232 fixed towers have enabled life-saving assistance for countless boaters from Seattle to Key West to Massachusetts and many points in between," said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.
"With this award we will continue our collaboration and support of the Coast Guard's Rescue 21 system and its expanding role within the Department of Homeland Security."
The contract received by General Dynamics C4 Systems is for four years and is worth $176 million if all options are exercised.
Under the award, the company is the prime contractor for Rescue 21's development and deployment and will continue to provide field service personnel, technical support and maintenance of it.
