science | March 23, 2026

What are the names of the Coast Guard cutters?

What are the names of the Coast Guard cutters?

Contents

  • 1 420′ Healy-class Icebreaker (WAGB)
  • 2 418′ Legend-class National Security Cutter, Large (WMSL)
  • 3 399′ Polar-class Heavy Icebreaker (WAGB)
  • 4 378′ High Endurance Cutter (WHEC)
  • 5 338′ Alamosa-class Cutter (WAK)
  • 6 327′ Treasury-class Cutter (WPG)
  • 7 311′ Casco-class Seaplane Tender (WAVP)
  • 8 309′ Icebreaker (WAGB)

How many Coast Guard cutters are there in the US?

U. S. Coast Guard Cutters¹ – 259 Total

TypeQuantity
Medium Endurance Cutters28
Fast Response Cutters41
Patrol Boats90
1: A cutter is any U. S. Coast Guard vessel 65 feet or greater in length. 2: Active: 1 heavy and 1 medium; Inactive: 1 heavy

How are Coast Guard cutters named?

Cutters shall be named after significant geographic locations; distinguished service members and key persons shaping Coast Guard history; Secretaries of the department under which the Coast Guard has served or is serving; important events throughout Coast Guard history; other service ships that were manned by Coast …

How long do Coast Guard cutters stay at sea?

Larger Coast Guard cutters may have extended deployments of up to three months or longer during which they patrol and visit other ports.

Are US Coast Guard cutters armed?

The United States Coast Guard uses cutters and small boats on the water, and fixed- and rotary wing (helicopters) aircraft in the air. The Coast Guard employs various small arms including handguns, shotguns, rifles, and machine guns.

What is the largest Coast Guard cutter?

National Security Cutter design and features “The NSC-type is the largest combat ship in the USCG fleet.” NSC has an overall length of 127.4m (418ft), a beam of 16.4m (54ft), and a draft of 6.8m (22.5ft).

Why do Coast Guard cutters start with W?

The code starts with a W (the letter assigned to all CG ships during World War II). The next letters represent the endurance of the ship — how long it can operate at sea without stopping for fuel and provisions. HEC stands for High Endurance Cutter, and MEC stands for Medium Endurance Cutter.

Do Coast Guard cutters have missiles?

On Admiral Paul Yost’s watch, the USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717) gained distinction as the only Coast Guard cutter to fire a Harpoon antiship missile.

Why Coast Guard is not military?

The Coast Guard does not fall under the Defense Department. However, the Coast Guard is considered a military service, because, during times of war or conflict, the president of the United States can transfer any or all assets of the Coast Guard to the Department of the Navy.

How big is a US Coast Guard cutter?

65 feet
The term “cutter” identifies a Coast Guard vessel 65 feet in length or greater, with accommodations for a crew to live aboard.

Are US Coast Guard ships armed?

Any Coast Guard crew with officers or petty officers assigned has law-enforcement authority (14 USC Sec. 89) and can conduct armed boardings.