GD forms new unit

General Dynamics Corp. has created a C4 Systems business unit by combining two units that provide command and control systems, officials of the Falls Church, Va., company said this month. Merging General Dynamics' Decision Systems and C4 Systems units created the new business unit.

"Combining these two units will make us a stronger competitor in the marketplace and will enable us to serve our customers more effectively," said Gerard DeMuro, executive vice president of the General Dynamics Information Systems and Technology group.

The new C4 Systems unit has approximately 6,500 employees, and performs systems integration work in five key areas: tactical networks, information assurance, command and control, space products and systems and military radios.

Mark Fried, 57, will lead the new business unit as its president, company officials announced. Fried, who reports to DeMuro,d had been president of General Dynamics Decision Systems, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., since the company acquired that unit from Motorola Corp. in September 2001.