U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter
A National Security Cutter is 418 feet long and takes three years to build. The National Security Cutter is the largest and most technically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard, with capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement and national defense missions. An NSC carries enough food and consumables to stay at sea for 60 days and has the ability to conduct Vertical Replenishment at sea and to refuel at sea in order to extend patrols. The NSC will replace the aging Hamilton class cutters that have been in service since the 1960s.
Facts
A U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter is equipped with:
- 6 .50 caliber machine guns
- 1 MK 110 57 mm turret mounted gun
- 3D air search radar
- 2 level 1, class 1 aircraft hangers
- A stern launch ramp for mission boats