Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England to accept new Rescue 21 Search and Rescue Communications System

BOSTON — The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a ceremony and demonstration in Woods Hole, Mass., Friday, commemorating the acceptance of the Rescue 21 communications system at Sector Southeastern New England.

The Coast Guard created Rescue 21 to better locate mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea and on navigable rivers.

U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, who represents Massachusetts’ 10th Congressional District and is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, will be the event’s keynote speaker.

Capt. Verne Gifford, commanding officer of Sector Southeastern New England, will join Gene Lockhart, the project manager for Rescue 21, to talk about how Rescue 21 is enhancing mission execution and marine safety along more than 600 miles of coastline, including southeastern Massachusetts from Plymouth to Fall River, Cape Cod and the islands, and all of Rhode Island.

The vice president of communication networks for General Dynamics C4 Systems, Bill Weiss, will also speak at the event. General Dynamics C4 Systems was awarded the Rescue 21 production contract in September 2002.

By harnessing today’s cutting-edge technology, Rescue 21 enables the Coast Guard to execute all its missions, especially its search and rescue mission, with greater agility and efficiency. With increased communications coverage and advanced direction-finding capabilities, Rescue 21 helps take the search out of search and rescue.

More information about Rescue 21 can be found at http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/rescue21

WHO: U.S. Rep. Bill Keating (D-Mass.)

Capt. Verne Gifford, commanding officer, Sector Southeastern New England

Gene Lockhart, project manager, Rescue 21

Bill Weiss, General Dynamics C4 Systems

WHAT: Rescue 21 acceptance and demonstration ceremony

WHEN Friday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.

WHERE: Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, Massachusetts Military Reservation Welcome Center (use the Main Gate on Connery Ave.),
Gaffney St. Building 1805, Woods Hole, Mass.

RSVP: Credentialed media representatives should RSVP by 11 a.m. Thursday to Coast Guard Public Affairs at 617-223-8515 or 617-717-9609 to facilitate entry.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.