Rescue 21

Rescue 21 Logo.

[edit] Overview

Rescue 21 is designed to be more robust, reliable, and capable than the legacy system by using a modern radio system coupled with a TCP/IP network, and digital communication using VoIP.

Rescue 21 was designed and is supported by General Dynamics C4 Systems out of Scottsdale, AZ.

High-level history and timeline of the Rescue 21 program.

1970s - National Distress System (legacy system) is installed to receive and respond to VHF distress calls.
May 1994 - The Mission Analysis Report is completed. This document states the needed requirements and capability gaps of the legacy coastal communications system.
July 1995 - The Mission Need Statement is approved. The approval of this document provides formal acknowledgement that a materiel solution is required to address the capability gaps.
July 1995 - The acquisition project is chartered as the National Distress and Response System Modernization Program (NDRSMP).
December 1997 - Morning Dew accident. Validated the need for a new VHF-FM system for the Coast Guard.
August 2000 - Phase I contract awards to SAIC, Lockheed Martin, and Motorola.
January 2001 - General Dynamics buys Motorola.
November 2001 - Phase I contractors demonstrate that their designs meet critical functions.
September 2002 - General Dynamics awarded Phase II contract.
September 2002 - NDRSMP changed to Rescue 21.
March 2003 - Work started at Group Atlantic City NJ.
August 2005 - Project Resident Office stood up in Scottsdale, Arizona.
September 2005 - The Disaster Recovery System is deployed to Louisiana in response to Hurricane Katrina.
November 2005 - First rescue attributed to Rescue 21 from Group Eastern Shore, VA.
December 2005 - Coast Guard officially accepts the Rescue 21 system at New Jersey and Eastern Shore, Virginia.

The name Rescue 21 is a reference to taking the Search out of Search and Rescue, while meeting the Coast Guards 21st century mission.