Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract for Coast Guard Cutter

Jan. 13, 2011

Defense contractor will provide C4ISR system for agency's fourth cutter.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $66 million contract to provide key technology for the U.S. Coast Guard's fourth national security cutter (NSC 4).

Lockheed Martin will implement the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) system for the 418-foot NSC 4. The system will give the Coast Guard cutter "comprehensive, real-time situational awareness, commonality and interoperability with other government agencies and organizations," according to the Bethesda, Md.-based defense contractor.

Lockheed Martin developed and provided the C4ISR system for the first three cutters-the USCGC Bertholf and USCGC Waesche, which are in service; and the recently christened Stratton, scheduled for delivery later this year.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $66 million contract to provide key technology for the Coast Guard's fourth national security cutter.
"The NSC C4ISR system gives the Coast Guard greater capability to conduct its many missions," said Dan Schultz, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Ship and Aviation Systems. "It enables the NSC to more precisely locate suspected drug smuggling boats, rescue distressed sailors faster and improve operational communications with other government agencies. The system's command and control capability enhances the Coast Guard's ability to coordinate relief efforts after hurricanes and other natural disasters." Lockheed Martin received the C4ISR contract from Northrop Grumman, which recently was selected by the Coast Guard to build the NSC 4 at its shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. The national security cutter is the largest and most technologically advanced multi-mission cutter in the Coast Guard fleet, with capabilities to support the service's homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defense missions. In addition to providing C4ISR systems for the Coast Guard's cutters, Lockheed Martin also provided the C4ISR missionization for the Coast Guard's HC-130J and HC-144A aircraft.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.