[Scan-DC] Fw: Coast Guard Unveils Newest Asset For Missions

[Alan Henney]

I wonder what they mean by "The helicopter's communication system will
be fully interoperable with other Deepwater assets, as well as with
agencies assigned to the Department of Homeland Security, the
Department of Defense and local first-responders?"


----- Original Message ----- 
Document Number: 538

     Atlantic Area
      U.S. Coast Guard


      Press Release Date: June 1, 2005
      Contact: Atlantic City Public Affairs
      609-677-2204

      COAST GUARD UNVEILS NEWEST ASSET FOR MISSIONS

      ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.- Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-2),
Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Sub-Committee,
Vice Adm. Vivien S. Crea, Commander, Atlantic Area and Maritime
Defense Zone Atlantic, Rear Adm. Sally Brice O'Hara, Commander, Fifth
Coast Guard District and Dale P. Bennett, President, Integrated Coast
Guard Systems (ICGS) will attend the official ribbon cutting for the
new HH-65C Dauphine helicopters at Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic
City Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

      The helicopters will be replacing the HH-65B helicopters as part
of the Deepwater Programs modernization and recapitalization of the
Coast Guard. Air Station Atlantic City is the first air station in the
Coast Guard to receive the new helicopters in time to support the
community for the upcoming boating season.

      The helicopter was upgraded with Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 turboshaft
engines that provide substantial power, flight control and flight
safety improvements. The helicopter's communication system will be
fully interoperable with other Deepwater assets, as well as with
agencies assigned to the Department of Homeland Security, the
Department of Defense and local first-responders.

      Twin-engine HH-65 helicopters are particularly well-suited for
search and rescue, fisheries patrols, maritime security, border
patrol, monitoring illegal immigration and drug interdiction. The
modernization effort to re-engine all 95 HH-65 helicopters in the
fleet with the upgraded engine includes the provision of kits by
American Eurocopter (AEC), a division of EADS North America. The
conversion kits facilitate installation of extended heat shields, a
reconfigured cockpit and specialized avionics software needed for
shipboard operations.

      "These re-engined helicopters are an essential improvement in
safety and reliability for our crews," said Vice Adm. Crea. "They are
a critical component of our offshore capability and will allow us to
perform more effectively across all of our missions."

      The Coast Guard's re-engining of all operational HH-65's within
the next two years will remedy significant safety and reliability
concerns that impact the aging helicopters, but accelerating the HH-65
re-engining project depends upon the availability of funding,
conversion kits, engines and suitable production facilities. The
modernization process is being conducted by the ICGS team, a joint
venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Corporation, in
partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.

      Currently, the Coast Guard's HH-65 re-engining facility is the
Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) in Elizabeth City, N.C. A
second line at American Eurocopter Facility in Columbus, Miss., is in
prototype with one helicopter currently being upgraded, with
additional work to be done there.

      ###

      Editors Note:  Media interested in attending the ceremony are
asked to contact PA2 John Edwards at 609-677-2204 to arrange access to
the FAA Technical Training Center.



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U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area
5th District Public Information Site
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