The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded two contracts totaling $129 million to Northrop Grumman Corporations Ships Systems sector for initial development and delivery of the Coast Guard’s first new National Security Cutter, part of the Coast Guard’s Deepwater program, which is aimed at replacing its aging offshore fleet. “The Coast Guard and the American people urgently need the Deepwater Program,” said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. “The Department of Homeland Security is thrilled with the progress the Coast Guard has made to date with Deepwater. The Deepwater program will improve the Coast Guard’s overall mission performance and maritime homeland security capabilities.