Legend-class National Security Cutters
The Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) is the flagship class of the United States Coast Guard. These 418-foot vessels represent the largest and most technologically advanced cutters ever built for the Coast Guard, designed to replace the aging Hamilton-class high endurance cutters (WHEC).
Class Specifications
| Hull Number: | WMSL-750 series |
| Length: | 418 feet (127 m) |
| Beam: | 54 feet (16.5 m) |
| Draft: | 22.5 feet (6.9 m) |
| Displacement: | 4,500 long tons (full load) |
| Speed: | 28+ knots |
| Range: | 12,000 nautical miles |
| Endurance: | 60 days |
| Crew: | 120 (plus 24 additional) |
| Builder: | Huntington Ingalls Industries, Pascagoula, MS |
Capabilities
National Security Cutters are multi-mission vessels designed to conduct:
- Drug Interdiction: Long-range patrol and surveillance of drug transit zones
- Migrant Interdiction: Maritime patrol in Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico
- Search and Rescue: Extended SAR operations with helicopter support
- Defense Operations: Support to Department of Defense missions
- Law Enforcement: Fisheries patrols and EEZ enforcement
- Environmental Protection: Oil spill response and pollution enforcement
Technology and Systems
The Legend-class features state-of-the-art systems including:
- C4ISR Suite: Integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
- Mk 110 57mm Gun: Fully stabilized main weapon system
- Close-In Weapon System: Phalanx CIWS for self-defense
- Launch System: Over-the-horizon small boats for interdiction operations
- Aviation Facilities: Dual helicopter hangar for MH-65 or MH-60 aircraft
- Unmanned Aerial Systems: Capability for UAV operations
Vessels of the Class
| Hull Number | Name | Commissioned | Homeport | Named For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WMSL-750 | Bertholf | August 4, 2008 | Alameda, CA | Commandant Ellsworth P. Bertholf |
| WMSL-751 | Waesche | May 7, 2010 | Alameda, CA | Commandant Russell R. Waesche |
| WMSL-752 | Stratton | March 31, 2012 | Alameda, CA | Commandant Dorothy C. Stratton (SPARS) |
| WMSL-753 | Hamilton | December 6, 2014 | Charleston, SC | Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton |
| WMSL-754 | James | August 8, 2015 | Charleston, SC | Commandant Joshua James |
| WMSL-755 | Munro | April 1, 2017 | Alameda, CA | Signalman Douglas Munro (MOH) |
| WMSL-756 | Kimball | June 23, 2019 | Honolulu, HI | Commandant Sumner Kimball |
| WMSL-757 | Midgett | May 2, 2020 | Honolulu, HI | The Midgett Family (7 generations of CG service) |
| WMSL-758 | Stone | December 22, 2020 | Charleston, SC | Commandant Elmer F. Stone |
| WMSL-759 | Calhoun | April 1, 2023 | North Charleston, SC | Master Chief Charles Calhoun |
| WMSL-760 | Chase | Expected 2024 | TBD | Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase |
Operational Highlights
Record Drug Seizures
NSCs have been responsible for billions of dollars in drug seizures. In a single patrol in 2019, USCGC Munro interdicted approximately 39,000 pounds of cocaine and 933 pounds of marijuana worth over $569 million.
International Operations
NSCs regularly deploy to the Western Pacific, operating in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and conducting exercises with partner nations. USCGC Bertholf was the first NSC to conduct a patrol in the North Pacific.