Florida, US. 06 May 2024 . SD Government (SDG), the satellite communications provider for global governments, and the U.S. Space Systems Command have renewed a contract confirming that SDG will continue providing satellite communications and other services to the U.S. Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury fleet. The contract extends the existing 10-year SDG relationship with the U.S. Navy E-6B community for another five years.

SDG will continue to deliver flight deck datalink connectivity through the SD FlightDeck Freedom® service and support the use of SD Pro®, the digital flight operations system, along with the provision of SwiftBroadband and support for the Global One Number, which enables direct tail to command voice connectivity to each of the U.S. Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury aircraft. Routinely deploying from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, to other bases in the U.S. and overseas, SDG provides the fleet with 24/7/365 global support to ensure reliable operations, provide on-site training for members of the forces and anticipate and resolve any service or equipment challenges. 

The ongoing agreement also simplifies the purchasing process with the SDG team using its extensive knowledge, proven track record and experience of working with the E-6B professionals to streamline the definition, acquisition, and implementation of new services. 

The renewed contract, worth $5.5 million, builds on long-standing SDG and U.S. Navy relationships. SD Head of Government Hayden Olson says: “Our customers appreciate the extensive support, tailored services and technology-forward products which have evolved into a reliable, secure suite of services they can rely upon. We have also created solid relationships with the E-6B fleet, which underpins our ability to continue supporting its very specific needs. Most importantly, the fleet can operate missions of national strategic importance with the confidence that SDG is consistently supporting them with expected services and the ability to meet emerging, dynamic requirements during deployment.”

The E-6B flies two primary missions critical to national security. In its traditional TACAMO (Take Command And Move Out) role, the E-6B maintains communication links between the National Command Authority and U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarines. Since 1998, the E-6B has also flown as a command post, primarily providing survivable Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications between the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and U.S. Strategic Command. 

Satcom Direct will be attending SOF Week 2024, May 6-10, in Tampa, Florida, at booth 750.