"The custom-made deployable system, modeled after TCS' SwiftLink products, is providing reliable and secure communications capabilities in the field, as we deliver and support all manner of relief efforts surrounding hurricane Katrina," stated Mr. Mark Carlson, Program Manger, TeleCommunication Systems (TCS), as the company yesterday announced that it is providing communications support for the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) in their ongoing relief efforts surrounding Hurricane Katrina.

In response to an urgent request to support JCSE requirements, TCS expedited delivery, installation, and personnel training of a custom-designed communications suite to meet the specific requirements of Joint Task Force Katrina. Using TCS' SwiftLink deployable communications system as the baseline platform, TCS was able to accommodate the needs associated with the disaster relief efforts.

TCS' on-site response to JCSE needs enabled the integration, testing, and support of the full deployment in a matter of hours, Carlson noted. On August 30, a full 128K connection from each of the two communication kits was operational on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET), Non-classified Internet Protocol Router (NIPRNET) and Defense Switched Network (DSN) simultaneously.

The systems enabled users to access web pages on all operational networks and also make secure calls. TCS personnel completed the installation and training of key JCSE personnel to ensure a successful first time deployment under extreme conditions. The custom-designed system was built to support 4-8 users and fits in an environmentally sealed deployable case. Dual INMARSAT GAN terminals accompany the unit and are carried separately. The gateway consists of the necessary telephony, routing, and NSA Type I encryptors.

"The JCSE deployable communications kits by TCS were designed for the user requiring secure C4I capabilities in a man-portable package," said Steve Anspach, Vice President for TCS Network Solutions Group. "Our SwiftLink line of products is the perfect communications system for deployed first-responders. They are designed to work reliably in harsh environments where no communications infrastructure is present."