Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters
The Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) is a new class of medium endurance cutters being built to replace the aging Famous-class (270-foot) and Reliance-class (210-foot) medium endurance cutters. The OPC program is the largest single acquisition in Coast Guard history.
Class Specifications
| Hull Number: | WMSM-915 series |
| Length: | 360 feet (110 m) |
| Beam: | 54 feet (16.5 m) |
| Draft: | 17 feet (5.2 m) |
| Displacement: | 4,500 long tons |
| Speed: | 22+ knots |
| Range: | 10,200+ nautical miles |
| Endurance: | 45+ days |
| Crew: | 110 |
| Builder: | Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, FL |
Program Overview
The OPC program will procure 25 vessels to serve as the "backbone" of the Coast Guard's offshore fleet. These cutters will bridge the capability gap between the National Security Cutters and the Fast Response Cutters, performing the full range of Coast Guard missions.
Mission Capabilities
- Drug and Migrant Interdiction: Extended patrols in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific
- Search and Rescue: All-weather SAR with aviation detachment capability
- Living Marine Resources: Fisheries enforcement in Exclusive Economic Zone
- Defense Readiness: Support to DoD operations
- Law Enforcement: Maritime law enforcement and boarding operations
- Homeland Security: Port, waterways, and coastal security
Key Features
- Aviation Capability: Flight deck and hangar for MH-60 or MH-65 helicopter
- Small Boat Operations: Stern launch capability for pursuit boats
- Weapons Systems: Mk 110 57mm gun, stabilized .50 caliber machine guns
- C4ISR: Advanced command and control systems
- UAS Capability: Designed to operate unmanned aerial systems
Vessels of the Class
| Hull Number | Name | Status | Named For |
|---|---|---|---|
| WMSM-915 | Argus | Under Construction | USRC Argus (1791) |
| WMSM-916 | Chase | Under Construction | Secretary Salmon P. Chase |
| WMSM-917 | Pickering | Awarded | USRC Pickering (1798) |
| WMSM-918 | Active | Awarded | Cutter Active tradition |
Additional vessels (OPC 5-25) will be named and awarded in future contract options. Names honor the heritage of the Coast Guard and its predecessor services.
Replacing Legacy Cutters
The OPCs will replace two classes of medium endurance cutters:
Famous-class (270-foot WMEC)
13 vessels built 1983-1990, named after Coast Guard heroes and notable events. These cutters have served extensively in drug interdiction, search and rescue, and defense operations.
Reliance-class (210-foot WMEC)
Originally 16 vessels built 1964-1969. These are among the oldest cutters still in service, with service lives extended well beyond original design.
Program Timeline
- 2016: Contract awarded to Eastern Shipbuilding Group
- 2018: Steel cut on lead ship (WMSM-915 Argus)
- 2021: Hurricane damage caused schedule delays
- 2024-2025: First delivery expected
- 2040s: Anticipated completion of all 25 vessels