Textron Systems forms single operating unit Overwatch

Combined Operating Unit to Accelerate Development of Integrated Solutions for U.S. and International Defense and Intelligence Communities

Wilmington,MA - August 11, 2009 - Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the combination of Overwatch Geospatial Systems and Overwatch Tactical Operations into a single Operating Unit called Overwatch. The combined Overwatch will be in a stronger position to accelerate the development and delivery of the advanced integrated intelligence solutions being sought by the U.S. and international defense and intelligence communities.


Driven by evolving counterinsurgency and counterterrorism threats as well as increasingly complex operational environments, customers require more powerful and integrated multi-source intelligence (Multi-INT) solutions to successfully complete their missions. Overwatch plans to work closely with the U.S. Military, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and other Intelligence agencies, and foreign allies to satisfy their requirements and support their missions.

"Creating a single Overwatch allows us to more effectively deliver world-class Multi-INT solutions that are in tune with customers' evolving requirements, while still addressing their current needs," said Frank Tempesta, president and chief executive officer, Textron Systems. "This combination brings together two Textron Systems operations that provide leading intelligence solutions currently being used by decision-makers and intelligence analysts as well as our war fighters and first responders."

Randy Averitte, currently senior vice president and general manager of Overwatch Tactical Operations, will run Overwatch, which will be headquartered in Austin, Texas. Jim Dolan, currently Overwatch Geospatial Systems' senior vice president and general manager, is taking a position as senior vice president, Strategic Initiatives, reporting directly to Textron Systems' Chief Operating Officer Fred Strader.

Source : Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT)