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: 9
- 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 C4ISR equipment to contribute intelligence to a common operating picture and provide enhanced maritime domain awareness