The National Security Cutter (NSC) is the centerpiece of the Coast Guard's fleet, capable of executing the most challenging operations, including supporting maritime homeland security and defense missions. The NSCs are named after prominent historical individuals who have established a legacy in the U.S. Coast Guard, thus given the name as the "Legend Class."

The largest and most technologically advanced of the Coast Guard's newest classes of cutters, the NSCs replaced the aging 378-foot high endurance cutters, which had been in service since the 1960s. Compared to legacy cutters, the NSCs' design provides better sea-keeping and higher sustained transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and the ability to launch and recover small boats from astern, as well as aviation support facilities and a flight deck for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The USCGC CALHOUN will become the 10th NSC after commissioning, with an 11th currently under construction at Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., with an expected delivery in fiscal year 2026.

Of the Coast Guard's white-hull patrol cutter fleet, the NSC is the largest and most technologically sophisticated in the Coast Guard. Each NSC is capable of operating in the most demanding open ocean environments, including the hazardous fisheries of the North Pacific and the vast approaches of the Southern Pacific where much of the American narcotics traffic occurs. With robust command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, stern boat launch and aviation facilities, as well as long-endurance station keeping, the NSCs are afloat operational-level headquarters for complex law enforcement and national security missions involving multiple Coast Guard and partner agency participation.

Characteristics

• Number Planned: 11
• Length: 418 feet
• Beam: 54 feet
• Draft: 22 feet 6 inches
• Displacement: 4500 long tons
• Maximum Speed: 28 knots
• Range: 12,000 nautical miles
• Endurance: 60- to 90-day cycles
• Crew: 148

Features

• Automated weapons systems capable of stopping rogue vessels far from shore
• Large flight deck
• State-of-the-market command and control equipment to enhance interoperability
• Detection and defense capabilities against chemical, biological or radiological attack
• Advanced sensors and other C5ISR equipment to contribute intelligence to a common operating picture and provide enhanced maritime domain awareness

Names and Homeport of the NSCs: