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Marine Corps Approves Initial Production of General Dynamics Combat Operations Centers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics Decision Systems, a business unit in the General Dynamics Information Systems and Technology group, has been authorized to begin low-rate initial production of Unit Operations Centers (UOCs) for the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., under a five-year contract initially awarded in April 2002.

The mobile operations centers will be the focal point of decision-making during all phases of ground warfare, allowing Marine forces to digitally collect, process and disseminate tactical data. The approval for initial production follows completion of operational demonstrations, risk-reduction and other testing of engineering-development systems.

“The Marine Corps is pleased with the progress of the UOC program,” said Colonel Paul Ortiz, Program Manager, U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command.

General Dynamics will begin production of 11 UOC systems to be used for production-readiness testing and evaluation by Marine Corps units in order to refine and finalize the design. Initial operational capability is scheduled to begin mid-2004. If all options under the April 2002 contract are exercised, General Dynamics will deliver UOCs to all echelons of the Marine Corps by the end of 2008, with a total value of $522 million.

The UOC will provide Marine commanders with a mobile, modular command and control (C2) package by integrating tents, trailers, radios, generators, heating/cooling, non-secure and secret Internet protocol router network (SIPRNet), Voice over Internet Protocol intercom, network servers, workstations, and a variety of computer peripheral equipment.

General Dynamics Decision Systems, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a leader in products and systems for information assurance, communications and situational awareness for defense and industrial customers in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to the Scottsdale headquarters, General Dynamics Decision Systems has facilities in Huntsville, Ala., Orlando, Fla., and Columbia, Md., as well as other locations close to customer centers of operation.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 57,000 people worldwide and had 2002 revenues of $13.8 billion. The company has leading market positions in land and amphibious combat systems, mission-critical information systems and technologies, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation.

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Any "forward-looking statements" contained in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

General Dynamics Corporation (ticker: GD, exchange: NYSE)
News Release - Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Press Contact: (480) 441-2885