The U.S. Coast Guard today formally opened its new Deepwater shipboard operations training facility at Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma. The $26 million facility was equipped by Lockheed Martin with state-of-the-art simulators, radars and electronics equipment to train Coast Guard crews assigned to the new Legend- class of National Security Cutters.

In addition to National Security Cutter crews, the facility will train U.S. Navy crews to operate and maintain the TRS-3D air search radar. In exchange, the Navy will train Coast Guard crews to operate the 57mm medium caliber deck gun.

"This state-of-the-art training facility will provide our Coast Guard and Navy crews the skills and expertise they need to sail our newest, most capable ships into the 21st Century," said Vice Adm. Vivien Crea, U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant.

The new Deepwater training facility was dedicated in honor of the Coast Guard's first senior enlisted advisor to the commandant, the late Master Chief Petty Officer Charles L. Calhoun.

"We're proud to add advanced shipboard operations training to our already acclaimed technical and support schools," said Capt. Brian Marvin, commanding officer of Training Center Petaluma. "We'll soon be training Coast Guard and Navy crews on the very latest equipment using cutting edge techniques."

Crew members assigned to the first National Security Cutter, USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750), attended the Calhoun Building dedication and will begin training next week at the facility.

"The Coast Guard is long overdue for new equipment and capabilities," said Leo Mackay, Lockheed Martin Coast Guard Systems vice president and general manager. "As the Deepwater program continues to deliver new and upgraded tools to the fleet, it is heartening to know that the men and women at the Coast Guard's training centers are also being equipped to prepare those operators who will go in harm's way."

Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, was awarded the Deepwater contract in June 2002 and has been renewed through January 2011.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin