[Scan-DC] Press Report- US Coast Guard

[Rapbep@aol.com]

All,

Got this from the US Today's edition of 25 Jun:

The U.S. Coast Guard has picked a joint venture between top defense
     contractors Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. to
     modernize its ships, aircraft and communications systems in a deal 
     worth up to $17 billion over 30 years.
     The project is designed to defend U.S. ports from as far out as
     50 nautical miles, in line with the Coast Guard's growing role 
     in port security since the Sept. 11 attacks.
     The "Deepwater" system integrator contract, the Coast Guard's 
     biggest in its 200-year history, calls for the purchase of up 
     to 91 ships, 35 fixed-wing aircraft, 34 helicopters, 
     and 76 pilot-less surveillance aircraft, said the sources close 
     to the situation.
     In addition, the contract involves upgrading 49 cutters,
     93 helicopters, and communications systems that help the Coast
     Guard do everything from stop illegal immigrants to catch drug
     runners and protect the environment.