Coast Guard Integrates HawkEye

Coast Guard Headquarters has designated the Group/Marine Safety Office Miami Command Center to be the first to be redesigned to meet the Coast Guard’s expanded mission under the Department of Homeland Security together with its traditional missions. The Science and Technology branch of DHS joined with the Coast Guard to build a prototype integrated maritime surveillance system covering Port Everglades, Miami and part of Biscayne Bay and offshore approaches. The $8 million, 24-month pilot program will integrate existing facilities and upgrade equipment to detect, track, and identify vessel traffic around ports, in between the ports and over the horizon. This prototype will provide an immediate coastal surveillance capability in a high priority area; offer the Coast Guard and its DHS and local and state partners the means to develop operational concepts; and implement and test the interoperability among Homeland Security and Department of Defense systems and networks. Operated by a team of six watchstanders, Hawkeye’s new capabilities push the borders out, give the Coast Guard the means to find mariners in distress, intercept drug smugglers and defend America against her enemies.