Communications Programs News

Maritime Reporter invited Carleen Lyden-Kluss, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association to provide an overview of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. On April 20, our maritime world changed. No matter how you slice it, everyone in the maritime industry feels the effects of the tragedy; the loss of 11 lives and injury to 17 others, the extensive environmental impact, the economic fallout and ongoing costs, the exposure of weaknesses in the response system, and the regulatory changes that will result from this. The details of the event are well known:  the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also called the BP Oil Spill/the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, is now considered the largest offshore spill in U.S. history.

Alion Science and Technology, an employee-owned technology solutions provider, has been awarded a $97m contract to support the Chief of Navy Information Office (CHINFO) with media relations, community outreach, visual information systems, information technology support, Web site portal management and business case analysis development and assessment. CHINFO is responsible for coordinating, planning and implementing public affairs policies and programs, visual information services and community relations efforts for all naval fleet and forces. Under the contract, Alion will support evolving public affairs requirements globally. The Alion team will develop strategies and tactical plans, produce communications materials and support community outreach programs and events.

Marlink, a subsidiary of Telenor Satellite Services, announced that it is extending its "Super Quiet Time" and "Inmarsat A to Fleet" maritime communications programs offered via Telenor. Both programs, first offered in early 2003, are designed to make "at sea" satellite communications more affordable and easier for mariners. Marlink is extending its Super Quiet Time program through March 2005, offering customers substantially reduced prices for prepaid voice calls over Inmarsat-B, -M, Mini-M, GAN, Fleet and Swift services. Marlink has significantly increased the SQT calling hours in all ocean regions, including 24-hours-a-day SQT calling on Saturdays and Sundays.

Michael Wasem, a specialist in transportation and industrial media relations, recently joined the Port of Tacoma as communications manager. In addition to managing media relations, he will manage publications and work with the Port Relations staff to develop communications programs that support the Port's business interests and improve public understanding of Port activities. business-to-business marketing communications firm that specializes in the transportation and trucking industries. While there, he represented a number of high-profile clients, including Kenworth Truck Company, PACCAR Leasing (PacLease), Hino Diesel Trucks (USA), Intra Technologies and several other industry leaders. Wasem holds a B.A. in Communications from Washington State University.

Texcom, Inc., Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded an estimated $5.5m indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, performance-based contract to provide in-service engineering agent support, system integration support services, including Life Cycle Support, that will be used to define, design, develop, test, integrate, and provide support for C4ISR systems for Navy Communications Programs. The contract includes four one-year option periods which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $29m. The work will be performed in Norfolk, Va. and is expected to be completed by October 2007 (October 2011 with options). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.