CONCORD, Calif. – Disaster relief agency Friend Ships Unlimited will benefit from satellite communications on future aid voyages to Haiti, thanks to Cobham’s donation of a one-metre Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite communications system for the agency’s ship Integrity. It will be powered by a Cobham SATCOM Sea Tel antenna and Mobil Sat’s service.

Integrity has previously completed two voyages to Haiti, carrying medical equipment and personnel, water, food, shelter equipment and power generators.The new satellite communications capability will help the crew better coordinate its relief efforts in the inevitable confusion following a natural disaster.

“Communication and obtaining current information are the key factors in being able to respond to a crisis in the most effective way,” said Teri Shields of Friend Ships Unlimited. “The Cobham antenna system is a tremendous asset to our disaster relief operations. With this new tool, we'll be able to receive critical updates from our home office and data on what the greatest needs are, what ports are in service, what potential obstacles loom and more.”

Cobham SATCOM Vice President Richard Tyson said Cobham was proud to help an agency that helps victims of natural disasters.

“Even after weeks and months, the earthquake-stricken Haiti needs help,” he said. “Cobham’s equipment will allow Integrity to maximize the efficiency of its operations, ensuring help is provided where it is needed the most.”