CG Sector Baltimore celebrates new advanced search, rescue comm system

The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a ceremony and demonstration of the new Rescue 21 communications system at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Thursday.

The Coast Guard created Rescue 21 to better locate mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea and on navigable rivers. General Dynamics C4 Systems was awarded the Rescue 21 production contract in September 2002.

Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rábago, the Coast Guard’s assistant commandant for acquisition, will join Capt. Mark O'Malley, the commanding officer of Sector Baltimore, to explain how Rescue 21 is enhancing mission execution and maritime safety along the coast of Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the upper Chesapeake Bay.

Additional remarks will be delivered by Rep. Elijah Cummings, who serves as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; Brig. Gen. Annette Deener, director of joint staff for Gov. Martin O'Malley; and Donald Wilt, senior director of Federal-Civil Programs for the National Systems Division of General Dynamics C4 Systems.

“The Rescue 21 system harnesses today’s cutting-edge technology, and enables the Coast Guard to execute all missions, especially its search and rescue mission, with greater agility and efficiency," said Capt. Mark O'Malley. "The Rescue 21 system has increased communication coverage and offers advanced direction-finding capabilities, which significantly reduces the size of our search area."

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