General Dynamics is to update communications equipment and the physical infrastructure of the U.S. Coast Guard's Rescue 21 Alaska system.

Work under the Phase 2 contract includes a comprehensive analysis for a cost-effective update to existing radio equipment at 30 locations and an evaluation of the radio and communications towers and buildings at each site.

The 30 sites are located along Alaska's coastline and the Aleutian Islands.

"Working side by side with the Coast Guard, the General Dynamics team will take advantage of the most innovative technologies, combined with a strategic implementation plan to ensure the long-term effectiveness of this life-saving system," said Vice President and General Manager Bill Weiss, who leads public safety initiatives for General Dynamics Mission Systems.

"Rescue 21 Alaska operates in one of the most unpredictable maritime environments in the world, and being the prime contractor for the Rescue 21 Coastal System, we have an unparalleled depth of understanding of the system and the urgency of the U.S. Coast Guard's maritime search and rescue mission."

The Rescue 21 system was originally developed and installed by General Dynamics for Coast Guard communications. The national system covers more than 215,000 square nautical miles along the U.S. eastern, western and Gulf seaboards, as well as around Guam and Puerto Rico.

In addition to Coast Guard communications, it also keeps watch over public and commercial mariners navigating national waterways and the Great Lakes.

The new contract has a value of $10 million if all options are exercised, the company said.