Lockheed Martin today opened a new technology integration facility that will provide improved capabilities to connect dispersed Coast Guard assets at sea, in the air and ashore.

The Maritime Domain Awareness Center (MDAC) is a 46,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility used to develop, test and integrate systems being produced to support the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater program. The facility contains 16,000 square feet of dedicated laboratory space, and is located in close proximity to Lockheed Martin's Theater Network Integration Center, Naval Systems Computing Center, and Command and Control Experimentation Lab.

The Deepwater program - which involves recapitalization of Coast Guard assets including aircraft, ships, command and control and logistics systems - was formulated around a command and control network-centric "common operational picture" that is key to maritime domain awareness. The MDAC, combined with the synergies of the other centers, provides Lockheed Martin and its customers with an unmatched capability to integrate and test a full range of systems that will provide maritime domain awareness to Coast Guard forces.

"We take our maritime role seriously and our investments demonstrate our commitment to the Coast Guard and homeland security," said Fred Moosally, president of Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors. "We are proud to offer the MDAC as another example in Lockheed Martin's high technology portfolio, centered on whole systems thinking and best-value for our customers."

In June 2002, the Coast Guard awarded the Deepwater contract to Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Lockheed Martin is responsible for the Deepwater air assets and the C4ISR elements (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance).

Through work performed in the new $9.4 million facility, Lockheed Martin will develop C4ISR systems, such as command and control suites on the National Security Cutter and the Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Along with the development of the individual systems, testing will ensure that all systems are interoperable with each other, giving the Coast Guard a truly integrated force of ships, aircraft and shore systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin