Navy briefs

Friday, Dec. 25, 2009

center to open Feb. 1

The River's Edge Conference and Catering Center, the replacement for the Patuxent River Naval Air Station's venerable Cedar Point Club, is scheduled to open Feb. 1.

The new 20,000-square-foot building is nearing completion and features a 155-seat restaurant, a 300-person capacity ballroom, a full-service kitchen, a lounge and outdoor seating with views of the Patuxent River. The building is located at the end of Tate Road, near the West Boat Basin.

Seahawk to get

data system upgrade

Lockheed Martin Corp. announced last week that it has received a $14.7 million contract to enhance the data transmission capabilities of Navy's MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

Lockheed said it will integrate a digital messaging interface that will use a new Ku band tactical data link to boost the data flow from the helicopter to the undersea and surface naval vessels it supports on missions. Lockheed Martin will work with the Naval Air Systems and Naval Sea Systems commands.

The high-definition interface, designated Ship Air Upgrade 07000, will enable a ship or strike group to request specific data from the helicopter and simultaneously receive images and other types of messages, officials said. Seahawk and vessel crews will be able to publish and subscribe for information. The new interface gives the Seahawk over-the-horizon communications relay and connectivity to DoD's Global Information Grid.