Coast Guard extends Deepwater to January 2011

The U.S. Coast Guard announced it will extend to January 2011 its Integrated Deepwater System program, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman under the auspices of the Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS).

Deepwater is the Coast Guard's multiyear recapitalization program to modernize and replace its vessels, aircraft and electronic systems. It is the largest acquisition effort in the history of the service, and when complete, it will include three classes of new cutters and small boats, a new fixed-wing aircraft fleet, upgraded helicopters, and both cutter-based and land-based unmanned air vehicles.

"We are transitioning into the production and delivery phase of the contract," James Anton, ICGS executive vice president, said in a statement released today.

Anton said more than 15 major Deepwater acquisitions are under way. "We have already deployed enhanced command, control and communications systems to the existing fleet and are continuing to deliver dramatically improved HH-65C helicopters," he said.

The Coast Guard will launch the first National Security Cutter and deliver the first Maritime Patrol Aircraft for testing this year, Anton said.

The Coast Guard awarded Integrated Coast Guard Systems the Deepwater System program in June 2002.