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USCG Surface Asset Guide copyright M. Cleary, reproduced by permission National Security Cutter (NSC/WMSL) (under construction)
Armament: 57mm gun and MK 160 Gun Fire Control System, Close-In Weapons System with a SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System, cruise-missile defenses with countermeasures consisting of SRBOC/NULKA chaff and rapid decoy launcher and Specific Emitter Identification (SEI) Sensor System that identifies other boats by their unique noise and radio waves. Will also include CBR defense capabilities. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WMSL 750 Bertholf Alameda, CA 40% complete The NSC was designed to be the flagship of the fleet – capable of meeting all maritime security mission needs.The NSC contributes to Intelligence Collection/Information Sharing through a sophisticated S/SCIF, SEI sensors and increased data exchange bandwidth. The NSC’s Deepwater and DoD interoperability capabilities are enhanced with DHS- and local responderinteroperable radio communications. The NSC flight deck will accommodate all variants of DHS and DoD HH-60 helicopters to provide enhanced interoperability with interagency and inter-service counter-terrorism teams. The NSC will now be fully integrated with the National Distress Response Modernization Program, known as RESCUE 21, which will provide the port commanders with real-time tracking of the NSC and seamless Common Operational Picture/MDA data sharing, including the Automated Identification System (AIS). The NSC Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection suite will include underwater sonar that will allow the cutter to scan ports, approaches, facilities and high-value assets for underwater, minelike devices and detect swimmers. The cutter’s small arms mounts will be remote operated and fully integrated with the cutter’s radar and infrared sensors such that the cutter and high-value assets under its protection can be protected from a USS COLE-like incident. The Maritime Security Capabilities allow cutter’s weapons and command and control suite to be upgraded and hardened to better survive potential terrorist incidents and process increased data flow. This will include SRBOC/NULKA missile defense system with CIWS, SLQ-32, and a medium caliber deck gun (57MM) that will provide the ability to stop rogue merchant vessels far from shore. An integrated CBRNE Detection and Defense capability allows the NSC to remain on scene and operate in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) scenarios. Cost per unit: $276.6 million Planned Quantity: 6-8 cutters
Hamilton Class High-Endurance Cutter
Remarks: Large frigate-like patrol ships, intended for open-ocean, long-range operations. Equipped with SIPRNET. The 378-foot cutters typically operate 185 days away from home port per year. USCGC Muno is slated to change homeport to Kodiak in 2007. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WHEC 715 Hamilton NMAG San Diego, CA Returned from Pacific drug patrol 10-5-05 Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC/WMSM)
The OPC is currently in concept design. The revised Deepwater implementation plan provides additional capabilities to reflect the domestic environment changes post-9/11. The OPC is designed to contribute to Intelligence Collection/Information Sharing through a sophisticated S/SCIF, SEI sensors and increased data exchange bandwidth. The OPC’s Deepwater and DoD interoperability capabilities are enhanced with DHS- and local responder-interoperable radio communications. The OPC flight deck will accommodate all variants of DHS and DoD HH-60 helicopters. The OPC will now be fully integrated with the National Distress Response Modernization Program, known as RESCUE 21, which will provide the port commanders with real-time tracking of the OPC and seamless Common Operational Picture/MDA data sharing, including the Automated Identification System (AIS). The cutter’s two-person manually operated small arms mounts will be remote operated and fully integrated with the cutters, radar and infrared sensors such that the cutter and high-value assets under its protection can be protected from a USS COLE-like incident. The Maritime Security Capabilities allow cutter’s weapons and command and control suite to be upgraded and hardened to better survive potential terrorist incidents and process increased data flow. This will include a medium caliber deck gun (57MM) that will provide the ability to stop rogue merchant vessels far from shore. The OPC speed will increase from 22 to 27 knots providing exceptional response and reaction capability. This increased transit speed will allow for more time on station protecting port approaches. An integrated Chemical, Biological, and Radiological, Detection and Defense (CBRD&D) capability allows the OPC to remain on scene and operate in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) scenarios.
Famous Class Medium-Endurance Cutter
Remarks: Multipurpose cutters designed for general patrol duties; fitted with a telescoping helicopter hangar. Designed for 14-day patrols, they are commonly forced to carry out 90-day patrols in the Caribbean. Equipped with ALE & SIPRNET. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WMEC 901 Bear NRKN Portsmouth, VA Returned from Caribbean drug patrol 12-15-05 Reliance Class Medium-Endurance Cutter
Remarks: Equipped with SIPRNET. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WMEC 615 Reliance NJPJ Kittery, ME On migrant patrol 1-26-06 Alex Haley Class Large Patrol Cutter
Remarks: Former USN salvage tug transferred to USCG and converted to operate in Alaskan waters as a patrol and rescue ship. The conversion included addition of a helicopter deck aft. The ship retains a heavy towing capability, but most salvage gear was removed. A helo hangar has now been added. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WMEC 39 Alex Haley NZPO Kodiak, AK Returned from patrol 11-8-05
Storis Arctic Patrol Cutter
Remarks: The oldest commissioned Coast Guard cutter still in active service. The Storis is a unique, one-of-a-kind vessel, that is a slightly larger version of the Coast Guard's successful 180ft buoy tender design. Known as the "Queen of the Fleet", the Storis's special status is denoted by gold hull numbers. Underwent a major overhaul in 1986. Has operated in Alaskan waters since 1949. The Storis performs a variety of missions, including enforcement of fishing regulations, community services to remote villages, and search and rescue. The ship's area of operation reaches from the panhandle of southern Alaska all the way up into the Bering Sea. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WMEC 38 Storis NRUC Kodiak, AK To decommission in 2007
Diver Class Patrol Cutter
Remarks: Sole survivor of six USN salvage ships and fleet tugs transferred to the USCG. Long overdue for replacement, but will continue in service for at least a few more years, in Alaskan waters. Conversion for USCG service included removal of all salvage and towing gear. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WMEC 167 Acushnet NNHA Kodiak, AK Returned from Alaska patrol 7-13-05
Fast Response Cutter (FRC/WPC)
The FRC is currently in detailed design. The FRC has been dramatically modified to meet post 9/11 mission requirements. The original steel-hulled FRC with an expected service life of 15-20 years has been replaced with a composite-hulled craft with a 40-year hull-life. The FRC will be designed from the keel up to be Deepwater interoperable. The FRC will receive enhanced Maritime Security Capabilities that will support Homeland Security and Homeland Defense in American waters through increased speed and lethality. The FRC speed will increase from 28 to 30 knots providing exceptional response and reaction capability. This increased transit speed will allow for more time on station protecting port approaches. CBR D&D will be integrated to allow the FRC to respond to WMD incidents and provide a federal on-scene presence. The FRC will now receive critical DHS and DoD communications Interoperability improvements that will equal those that exist in the fleet today, including Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and local responder-interoperable radio communications. Common Operational Picture enhancements to the FRC will now be fully integrated with the National Distress Response Modernization Program, known as RESCUE 21, which will provide the port commanders with real-time tracking of the FRC and seamless data sharing, including the Automated Identification System (AIS). Electronic surveillance systems will feed the Deepwater Intelligence Collection/Information Sharing/MDA. The cutter’s small arms mounts will be remote operated and fully integrated with the cutter’s radar and infrared sensors such that the cutter and high-value assets under its protection can be protected from a USS COLE-like incident. Cost per unit: $40 million Quantity: 43-58 cutters
Cyclone Class Coastal Patrol Ships
Remarks: The 179-foot Cyclone Class Patrol Coastal Boats will conduct Homeland Security, Search and Rescue and Law Enforcement operations in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The Cyclone class patrol boats will fill a gap in Coast Guard resources at a time when the service's inventory of 110-foot patrol boats are being converted to 123-foot cutters and the rest of the fleet continues a historic, high operational tempo. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WPC 2 Tempest NTAC Pascagoula, MS
123 Foot Island Class Patrol Boat -
Remarks: General-purpose patrol boats, suited mainly for SAR and law enforcement. They Have been extensively upgraded including lengthening to 123 feet with a stern-launch small boat facility, replacement of the superstructure, re-arrangment of internal spaces, and new electronics and communication gear. Conversion of 110 foot boats to 123 feet was stopped at 8 hulls. Carry 1 SRP boat. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WPB 1303 Matagorda NAYM Key West, FL
110 Foot Island Class Patrol Boat
Remarks: General-purpose patrol boats, suited mainly for SAR and law enforcement. They were constructed in three batches, with various impovements and changes. Although intended for 10-14 day local patrols, they are making Caribbean patrols of up to 60 days. Planned for a service life of only 15 years. Conversion of 110 foot boats to 123 feet was stopped at 8 hulls. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WPB 1301 Farallon NABK Miami Beach, FL
87 Foot Marine Protector Class Patrol Boat
Remarks: The newly designed 87' Coastal Patrol Boat has several enhancements over the aging 82s, including improved mission sea keeping abilities (up to sea state 5) and significantly upgraded habitability.It also employs an innovative stern launch and recovery system using an Aluminum hulled inboard diesel powered waterjet small boat. The vastly larger pilot house is equipped with an integrated bridge system including an electronic chart display system (ECDIS) which interfaces with the CG’s new surface search radar. SWIII computers along with a fiber optic network will also be installed, allowing the crew to access the vessel’s CD-ROM tech pubs and drawings. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WPB 87301 Barracuda NIUD Eureka, CA
Healy Class Icebreaker
Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WAGB 20 Healy NEPP Seattle, WA Returned from Arctic 2005 deployment 11-28-05
Polar Class Icebreaker
Remarks: These cutters, specifically designed for open-water icebreaking have reinforced hulls, special icebreaking bows, and a system that allows rapid shifting of ballast to increase the effectiveness of their icebreaking. They serve in Arctic/Antarctic serving science and research as well as providing supplies to remote stations. Both Polar Class icebreakers are under the control of Pacific Area, Ice Operations Section. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WAGB 10 Polar Star NBTM Seattle, WA Returned from Antarctic deployment 3-28-06 WAGB 11 Polar Sea NRUO Seattle, WA
Mackinaw Class Icebreaker
Remarks: USCGC Mackinaw was designed and configured to peform its missions specifically on the Great Lakes where it keeps the shipping lanes open through as much of the winter as possible. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WAGB 83 Mackinaw NRKP Cheboygan, MI ALE equipped
Mackinaw Class Icebreaker
Remarks: A new icebreaker to replace the current Mackinaw. A dual icebreaker/buoy tender combination. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WLBB 30 Mackinaw NBGB Cheboygan, MI
Juniper Class Seagoing Buoy Tender
Remarks: These are large, highly capable, multirole ships. There is a 15-ton hydraulic crane forward and there is a built-in oil spill recovery system. 45 day endurance. Capable of operations in 8-foot seas. Freshwater icebreaking capability. The 225' WLB is equipped with a single controllable pitch propeller, bow and stern thrusters which give the cutter the maneuverability it needs to tend buoys offshore and in restricted waters. Some are ALE equipped. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WLB 201 Juniper NDBC Newport, RI
Balsam Class Seagoing Buoy Tender
Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WLB 406 Acacia NODY Charlevoix, MI To decom in FY 06. ALE equipped.
Keeper Class Coastal Buoy Tender
Remarks: Scaled-down version of the Juniper class with a 10 ton hydraulic crane forward; freshwater icebreaking capability, and oil spill recovery system. They are the first Coast Guard cutters equipped with Z-Drive propulsion units instead of the standard propeller and rudder configuration. They are designed to independently rotate 360 degrees. Combined with a thruster in the bow, they give the Keeper -class cutters unmatched maneuverability. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WLM 551 Ida Lewis NISS Newport, RI
100 Foot Inland Buoy Tender
Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WLI 313 Bluebell NODD Portland, OR WLI 642 Buckthorn NADT Sault St. Marie, MI
65 Foot Inland Buoy Tender
Hull Name Homeport Remarks WLI 65303 Blackberry Long Beach, NC
160 Foot Inland Construction Tender
Remarks: Large, modern inland construction tenders. Self-contained ships, not requiring a separate work barge; they have a large crane on a long working deck. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WLIC 800 Pamlico NAYE New Orleans, LA Involved in Hurricane Katrina relief ops 9-1-05
100 Foot Inland Construction Tender
Remarks: Smilax pushes a 70' construction barge. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WLIC 315 Smilax NRYN Atlantic Beach, NC
75 Foot Inland Construction Tender
Remarks: The 75' WLICs push 68' and 84' construction barges. The barges are equipped with cranes and other ATON equipment to drive piles and work the smaller sized buoys. Hull Name Homeport Remarks WLIC 75301 Anvil Charleston, SC
65 Foot River Buoy Tender
Remarks: Tug-type tenders for the western rivers; each pushes a buoy barge. Hull Name Homeport Remarks WLR 65501 Ouachita Chattanooga, TN
75 Foot River Buoy Tender
Remarks: Tug-type tenders for the western rivers; each pushes a 90 foot barge. Hull Name Homeport Remarks WLR 75401 Gasconade Omaha, NE
Kankakee Class 75 Foot River Buoy Tender
Remarks: New tug-type tenders. Push 130 foot buoy barges. Hull Name Homeport Remarks WLR 75500 Kankakee Memphis, TN
Bay Class Icebreaking Tug
Remarks: The 140-foot Bay-class Cutters are state of the art icebreakers used primarily for domestic ice breaking duties. They are named after American Bays and are stationed mainly in Northeast U.S. and Great Lakes. WTGBs use a low-pressure-air hull lubrication or bubbler system that forces air and water between the hull and ice. This system improves icebreaking capabilities by reducing resistance against the hull, reducing horsepower requirements. ALE equipped. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WTGB 101 Katamai Bay NRLX Sault St. Marie, MI
65 Foot Harbor Tugs
Remarks: They are employed only on the east coast, from Maine to Virginia. Hull Name Homeport Remarks WYTL 65601 Capstan Philadelphia, PA
Eagle Training Barque
Remarks: Coast Guard Academy training ship Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WIX 327 Eagle NRCB New London, CT Visited Rota, Spain 7-29-05
Caribbean Support Tender -
Remarks: Former buoy tender now serving as the Caribbean Support Tender to foster international cooperation in the region. Hull Name INT. C/S Homeport Remarks WIX 290 Gentian NRPI Miami, FL In Miami 12-23-05
Long Range Interceptor (under construction)
Remarks: The 25-feet Short Range Prosecutor (SRP) and the new 35-feet Long Ranger Interceptor (LRI) are the two new Rigid-Hull Inflatable small boats being introduced for the Deepwater cutters. The quantity of LRIs are planned to compose a smaller part of Deepwater’s final strength in a trade off with the Short Range Prosecutor that maximizes the utility of these two small boat assets. The LRI will now receive critical DHS and DoD C4ISR interoperability improvements including MILSATCOM. The LRI provides the ability for a cutter to deploy an armed boarding or counter-terrorism team over the horizon, up to 100NM from the cutter at speeds of 45kts or more. The enclosed cabin of the boat will provide crew protection for up to 10 hours thereby increasing operational presence and deterrence in security situations. The bow-mounted M242 machine gun provides visible deterrence and stopping power against maritime targets. FY06 President’s Budget Request: Funds the acquisition of 2 LRIs. Cost per unit: $.7 million Planned Quantity: 31-33
Short Range Prosecutor (SRP)
Remarks: The 25-feet Short Range Prosecutor (SRP) and the new 35-feet Long Ranger Interceptor (LRI) are the two new Rigid-Hull Inflatable small boats being introduced for the Deepwater cutters. The quantity of SRPs will compose a larger component of the Deepwater system in a trade off with the LRI that maximizes the utility of these two small boat assets. The SRP provides the capability to deploy armed boarding teams within 20 miles of the parent cutter at speeds of 32 knots. The SRP can exchange data with the parent cutter, thereby maintaining a coordinated response posture and respond quickly to security zone breaches. Six SRPs are in service on the 123 foot cutters. Cost per unit: $.3 million Planned Quantity: 74-91
Defender Class Response Boats
Remarks: In July 2003 the Coast Guard began the purchase of up to 700 “Defender Class” 25’ response boats. The specially designed Response Boats will replace nearly 300 non-standard shore based boats and provide a standardized platform for the Coast Guard’s new Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSST’s), which were established as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The boats will be used for most of the Coast Guard’s multiple shore based missions. Delivery of the boats began in July 2003 and will continue to arrive at Coast Guard units at a rate of approximately 2 per week. The 25’ Response Boats provide greater capability to support nearly all of the Coast Guards multiple missions. Some of the features of the Response Boats such as twin outboard engines (speed) and communications (with other agencies) will enhance the homeland security and other missions. The new Response Boats will be utilized by Coast Guard Stations, Marine Safety & Security Teams (MSST’s), selected Marine Safety Units and selected Training Commands. NOTE: USCG Cutters assigned to inland waterways are not assigned international callsigns. International callsigns double as ALE addresses for cutters equipped with ALE.
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