NIWC Atlantic and Chugach: A Team Driving USCG Modernization at Eastern Defense Summit

Charleston, SC – The powerful partnership between Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic and Chugach Government Solutions (CGS/Chugach) took center stage during a series of high-profile events leading up to the Eastern Defense Summit (EDS) hosted by the Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA) in December. The collaboration showcased their seamless teamwork in advancing United States Coast Guard (USCG) capabilities and supporting the nation’s defense initiatives.

Rear Admiral Dash, USCG Assistant Commandant for C4IT (CG-6), accompanied by other senior Coast Guard leaders, participated in a packed agenda of meetings and tours arranged by the NIWC USCG IPT—a dynamic team comprising NIWC Atlantic, Chugach, and Atlas Technologies. These engagements underscored the critical role of this partnership in driving innovation and delivering mission-critical technologies to the Coast Guard.

Innovation on Display at NIWC Atlantic
Rear Admiral Dash toured NIWC Atlantic’s state-of-the-art laboratories, which featured cutting-edge technologies including the Automated Digital Network System (ADNS), Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES), Naval Modular Automated Communications System (NAVMACS), 5G/Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS), and the Satellite Communication (SATCOM) lab. These demonstrations, showcasing advanced systems like BRSE, were made possible through the collaborative efforts of engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from both NIWC Atlantic and Chugach. Their combined expertise was instrumental in designing and integrating these mission-critical capabilities.

The team also conducted a hotwash to evaluate their ongoing collaboration, reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting CG-6 initiatives.

USCGC CALHOUN: A Joint Success Story
The tour of the USCGC CALHOUN (WMSL 759) offered a firsthand look at the transformative work completed by the NIWC Atlantic-Chugach team. As the newest National Security Cutter (NSC), CALHOUN is midway through its second Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA), a process managed collaboratively by NIWC Atlantic and Chugach.

During the tour, Rear Admiral Dash and his team received detailed briefings on external communications and SCIF upgrades performed by the partnership, highlighting the team’s expertise in equipping National Security Cutters (NSC) with state-of-the-art capabilities. The tour concluded with Rear Admiral Dash engaging directly with the cutter’s captain, officers, and crew, reflecting on the strong bonds formed through NIWC Atlantic’s USCG IPT.

Starshield Installations: A Team Achievement
At the Eastern Defense Summit, Rear Admiral Dash praised the NIWC Atlantic-Chugach team for their exceptional performance in completing 141 Starshield installations across the Coast Guard fleet in record time. This monumental task showcased the synergy between NIWC Atlantic’s technical leadership and Chugach’s engineering and integration expertise, cementing their reputation as a unified force in Coast Guard modernization. Ken Grimes, Chugach USCG Portfolio Manager stated, “We are very proud of our team for their outstanding performance and this recognition. The partnership between NIWC and Chugach is making a significant impact in supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission. Delivering timely and cost-effective support is critical, especially when the stakes involve national security and safety. It is inspiring to see such strong collaboration ensuring the Coast Guard continues to move forward efficiently.”

Forging the Future Together
As USCGC CALHOUN prepares for a patrol and its final PSA, the partnership between NIWC Atlantic and Chugach remains steadfast in its mission to deliver innovative solutions and unmatched support to the Coast Guard.

The Eastern Defense Summit provided a platform to celebrate this partnership, with Rear Admiral Dash’s acknowledgment of their teamwork underscoring the critical role NIWC Atlantic and Chugach play in ensuring the Coast Guard remains at the forefront of maritime security. Together, they continue to set the standard for collaboration and excellence in defense technology.