Complete Guide to USCG Cutter Classes
This page provides a comprehensive overview of all major cutter classes operated by the United States Coast Guard, from the largest National Security Cutters to the smallest patrol boats and tenders.
High Endurance Cutters (WHEC)
Hamilton-class (WHEC-715)
Status: Decommissioned (2017-2022)
Length: 378 feet
Built: 1965-1972
Number: 12 vessels
The Hamilton-class, also known as the 378-foot class, served as the Coast Guard's primary high-endurance cutters for over 50 years. These vessels featured combined diesel-and-gas (CODAG) propulsion systems and were capable of extended deployments. They have been replaced by the Legend-class National Security Cutters.
Named Vessels: Hamilton, Dallas, Mellon, Chase, Boutwell, Sherman, Gallatin, Morgenthau, Rush, Munro, Midgett, Douglas Munro
Secretary-class (WHEC)
Status: Decommissioned
Length: 327 feet
Built: 1936-1946
Also known as the Treasury-class, these cutters were named after Secretaries of the Treasury. Many served in World War II as convoy escorts and performed distinguished service. The class included USCGC Taney, the last surviving ship that was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
National Security Cutters (WMSL)
Legend-class (WMSL-750)
Status: Active
Length: 418 feet
Built: 2008-present
Number: 11 vessels (planned)
The Legend-class represents the most technologically advanced cutters ever built. They feature an integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) system. Read more...
Named Vessels: Bertholf, Waesche, Stratton, Hamilton, James, Munro, Kimball, Midgett, Stone, Calhoun, Chase
Offshore Patrol Cutters (WMSM)
Heritage-class (WMSM-915)
Status: Under Construction
Length: 360 feet
Built: 2018-present
Number: 25 vessels (planned)
The Heritage-class will replace the Famous and Reliance-class medium endurance cutters. These vessels will serve as the workhorse of the cutter fleet. Read more...
Medium Endurance Cutters (WMEC)
Famous-class (WMEC-901)
Status: Active (being replaced)
Length: 270 feet
Built: 1983-1990
Number: 13 vessels
Named after famous Coast Guard personnel and significant events, the Famous-class cutters perform law enforcement, search and rescue, and defense operations. They feature a helicopter hangar and flight deck.
Named Vessels: Bear, Tampa, Harriet Lane, Northland, Spencer, Seneca, Escanaba, Tahoma, Campbell, Mohawk, Forward, Legare, Alert
Reliance-class (WMEC-615)
Status: Active (being replaced)
Length: 210 feet
Built: 1964-1969
Number: 14 vessels (originally 16)
The Reliance-class vessels are among the oldest active cutters in the fleet. Despite their age, they continue to perform important maritime security and law enforcement missions. They are being replaced by the Offshore Patrol Cutters.
Fast Response Cutters (WPC)
Sentinel-class (WPC-1101)
Status: Active
Length: 154 feet
Built: 2012-present
Number: 64 vessels (planned)
The Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters are the replacement for the 110-foot Island-class patrol boats. They are named after enlisted Coast Guard heroes. Read more...
Patrol Boats (WPB)
Island-class (WPB-1301)
Status: Being decommissioned
Length: 110 feet
Built: 1986-1992
Number: 49 vessels (originally)
Named after U.S. islands, these patrol boats served as the backbone of coastal patrol operations for decades. They are being replaced by the Sentinel-class FRCs.
Marine Protector-class (WPB-87301)
Status: Active
Length: 87 feet
Built: 1998-2008
Number: 73 vessels
These coastal patrol boats perform ports, waterways, and coastal security missions. They are named after marine animals and sea life.
Icebreakers (WAGB)
Polar-class (WAGB-10)
Status: 1 Active (Polar Star)
Length: 399 feet
Built: 1976-1978
Number: 2 vessels (1 active)
The Polar-class heavy icebreakers are among the most powerful non-nuclear ships in the world. USCGC Polar Star annually breaks a channel to resupply McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
Healy-class (WAGB-20)
Status: Active
Length: 420 feet
Built: 1999
Number: 1 vessel
USCGC Healy is a medium icebreaker designed primarily for Arctic research support. It is the largest ship in the Coast Guard fleet.
Polar Security Cutter (WAGB)
Status: Under Construction
Length: 460 feet (planned)
Number: 3 vessels (planned)
The Polar Security Cutter program will provide new heavy icebreakers to replace the aging Polar-class. Read more...
Buoy Tenders
Juniper-class (WLB-201)
Status: Active
Length: 225 feet
Built: 1996-2004
Number: 16 vessels
Seagoing buoy tenders named after trees and plants. They maintain aids to navigation, perform search and rescue, and support law enforcement and environmental protection.
Keeper-class (WLM-551)
Status: Active
Length: 175 feet
Built: 1997-2000
Number: 14 vessels
Coastal buoy tenders named after former lighthouse keepers. They maintain coastal aids to navigation.
Bay-class (WTGB-140)
Status: Active
Length: 140 feet
Built: 1979-1988
Number: 9 vessels
Icebreaking tugs named after bays. They perform domestic icebreaking and aids to navigation work on the Great Lakes and Northeast.