The U.S. Coast Guard has conducted approximately 60,000 search and rescue
operations since 2006 with support from the General Dynamics C4 Systems-built
Rescue 21 system. The nationwide command, control and communications
system connects Coast Guard personnel with distressed mariners up to
20 nautical miles or more out to sea. Rescue 21 is also interoperable
with federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety organizations’
communications systems, increasing the Coast Guard’s effectiveness
in accomplishing its missions, including critical homeland-security
operations. Rescue 21 became fully operational in 32 of 37 U.S. Coast
Guard Sectors by 2012; the first life saved by the system was recorded
in 2005. |
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"In addition to being a life-line for millions
of boaters, Rescue 21 is a model program that demonstrates how broadband
technologies are improving maritime situational awareness, communication
and collaboration among multiple government and law enforcement agencies,”
said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems.
Examples of Rescue 21 at work:
• On October 5, 2013, a Coast Guard watchstander in Sector Key
West (Key West, Fla.) heard an emergency call from a boat captain traveling
from Naples to Key West. A fire onboard had severely damaged the boat’s
radio and propulsion system. Before it failed, the radio operated just
long enough to send a two-second “Mayday” call. Using position/location
information generated by the Rescue 21 system, a C-130 search plane
and Coast Guard rescue boat found the stranded mariner and returned
the captain and his vessel to shore.
• In July 2013, a boat carrying Destiny’s Child singer Kelly
Rowland became lost at sea off Cape Cod, Mass. The captain of the vessel
called for assistance; using the Rescue 21 system, Sector Boston located
the boat and sent help to escort the wayward vessel back to shore.
• Following hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Rescue 21 systems
located along the East Coast helped the Coast Guard coordinate interagency
command, control and communications that were essential to disaster
recovery.
Rescue 21 comprises 253 towers and 32 command centers in full operation
that cover more than 41,000 miles of U.S. coastline, lakes and rivers.
When a distress call arrives, the system automatically records the call
while direction-finding equipment on the towers accurately computes
the call’s location, allowing search-and-rescue operations to
begin immediately. The system is also designed to accommodate additional
sensors and command and control equipment as it becomes available, which
will deliver new and cost-effective capabilities to the Coast Guard.
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