Communications Electronics News

The state of Texas is putting into service a fleet of new, highly capable patrol boats as it works to detect, disrupt and deter criminal activity along the Rio Grande."Now, more than ever, it is imperative that our law enforcement officers and Texas National Guard soldiers adopt innovative solutions," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said during a recent visit tour the state’s enhanced assets along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Abbott’s official website, the Governor has secured $4 billion in funding for Texas' border security efforts.

The first newbuild rigid inflatable boat (RIB) built by Dongara Marine has entered into service, heralding a raft of government and RIB contracts for the Western Australian boatbuilder.The newbuild, Cape Rose, was completed at the end of last year and has been operating for Marine Rescue Shark Bay since delivery to Denham in early in 2021. It has replaced a response vessel that had serviced the Western Australia (WA) coastline for more than 20 years, both with the group and previously…

You know if Elon Musk was to attend a plenary session of the IMO, he could be forgiven if he thought he was watching a reenactment of the Charles Dickens book Hard Times, with Mr. Gradgrind the Headmaster. What a sad reflection of our industry. Imagine instead! Imagine a world where logistics companies and cargo owners drive ship design, innovation and demand the level of quality in ship management. Where maritime assets are operated in a global ecosystem of tracking, monitoring and safety. Imagine a world where ships are operated in a “ship as a service” or “system of systems” infrastructure. Where we have replaced the current fragmented IoT and applications model. This is a world where consolidation has removed many of the industry’s historical middlemen.

Classification society ClassNK has mapped out the details of its vision and goals for research and development projects over the next five years. ClassNK’s R&D Roadmap outlines the two activities as the foundation of its R&D, and details investigations and research associated with core technologies which will also contribute to the development of human resources for contributing maritime technology and engineering as a classification society and utilization of damage information to contribute to damage prevention. Utilizing these foundational technologies as a base, ClassNK said it intends to carry out R&D in the mid-long term on the four focus areas of rule development…

Admiral Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, visited the Port of San Diego’s administrative offices on February 12. The Commandant was in town to participate in the 2015 Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association /U.S. Naval Institute Conference held at the San Diego Convention Center. During his visit to the port, the Commandant participated in a briefing that included Dan Malcolm, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners; Acting President and CEO John Bolduc; Acting Chief of Harbor Police Mark Stainbrook and other senior Port staff members.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) specialist Dometic Marine launches the Marine Air Chiller Compact to the European commercial market at this year’s Seawork International. Featuring a compact design, the chilled water system is designed for an extensive range of applications including cooling of on-board spaces and marine electronics. The Marine Air Chiller Compact provides 16,000 to 24,000 BTUs (British thermal unit) and attaches to air handlers. For vessels working in warmer climates…

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) specialist Dometic Marine will launch the Marine Air Chiller Compact to the commercial, work boat and military markets at this year's Seawork International. Featuring an innovative and compact space-saving design, the chilled water system is suitable for a range of applications including cooling of on-board spaces and marine electronics. The Marine Air Chiller Compact provides 16,000 to 24,000 BTUs (British thermal unit) and easily attaches to air handlers to provide ideal temperatures in the pilothouse or crew accommodation areas. For vessels working in warmer climates, the chilled water system can be used as a dedicated cooling aid for navigation…

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jennifer S. Top leaders from the military, government and industry gathered at the San Diego Convention Center Feb. 5-7, for the West 2008 conference, co-sponsored by The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the U.S. Naval Institute. The conference themed "U.S. at a Crossroads: Where to - and How - After Iraq?" featured discussions on pressing issues in the military services and how industry can help solve them. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace gave the opening remarks and spoke of protecting the Internet and the importance of military, government and industry to work together.

General Dynamics announced that two of its units - General Dynamics Robotic Systems and General Dynamics C4 Systems - have been awarded Defense Department contracts worth more than $18 million. On March 25, General Dynamics Robotic Systems (Westminster, Md.) was awarded a $6.1 million modification to an existing contract for the production of 33 M56 smoke generator systems and five gas turbine engines. Work will be performed in Westminster (M56 Systems) and Phoenix, Ariz. (M56 systems and gas turbine engines), and is to be completed by Jan. 2003. The U.S. Robert Morris Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corporation Chairman and CEO Kent Kresa stated emphatically that, "TRW shareholders have sent a strong message to TRW's board of directors today in favor of allowing Northrop Grumman to begin due diligence in connection with its proposed acquisition of TRW. We are prepared to immediately enter discussions with TRW to resolve the outstanding differences concerning an agreement that allows Northrop Grumman to begin due diligence consideration of non-public information as soon as possible. "As we have previously stated, we are willing to pay full and fair value for TRW and encourage TRW to provide information supporting any additional hidden value.

L-3 Communications announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Westwood Corporation, a leader in shipboard power control, switchgear and power distribution systems, for $2.30 per share in cash. The total value of the transaction is approximately $22 million, plus assumed debt. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Westwood's stockholders, and is expected to close by the end of this year. The acquisition is expected to be slightly accretive to L-3's earnings. With headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Westwood is the premier niche provider of shipboard power distribution, machinery and automation systems to the United States Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Michael G. Mullen, announced the construction of USS Stockdale (DDG 106) at the Western Conference and Exposition (West 2006) at the San Diego Conference Center January 12 in the presence of Mrs. Sybil Stockdale, widow of Navy and Vietnam War hero, Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale. “You and James are examples to all of us,” said Mullen to Stockdale. “Vice Adm. Mullen went on to say that it was the first ship he’s named as CNO and that it was only fitting to name it after James Stockdale. “I can’t even put it into words what this means to me,” said Dr. James B. Stockdale, Jr., son of the vice admiral. “I feel very proud. Stockdale is considered by many to be one of the greatest heroes in U.S. history. He was the highest-ranking POW in the Vietnam War.