Security Levels

National Security Cutter

Coast Guard Cutters Bertholf and Mohawk

The Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk, homeported in Key West, Fla., falls in behind Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, homeported in Alameda, Calif., during an at sea meeting to exchange mission-related information, June 24, 2009. U.S. Coast Guard photo by
Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Anderson Larger Image >>

The National Security Cutter (NSC) is the flagship of the fleet, capable of meeting all maritime security mission needs. It is the largest and most technically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard, with robust capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement and national defense missions. Learn more about the NSC >>

Status

Waesche successfully completed Builder's Trials in mid-August and is 90% complete. CGC Bertholf recently conducted its first successful narcotics trafficking interdiction on July 8. The keel was laid for Stratton on July 20 and is now 22% complete.

Latest News Releases

Waesche Completes Builder’s Trials

An industry and government team comprised of personnel from Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors (combat system provider), and government representatives from the Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy recently concluded a thorough series of evaluations called Builder's Trials for the second National Security Cutter (NSC), Waesche. Read more>>

Keel Laid for Stratton, First Lady Sponsors Cutter

The U.S. Coast Guard and Northrop Grumman laid the keel for the future Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, the service's third National Security Cutter, at 1 p.m. Monday at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Gulf Coast shipyard, Pascagoula, Miss., ceremoniously marking the beginning of Stratton's construction. First lady Michelle Obama will serve as Stratton's sponsor. This is the first time a first lady has ever sponsored a Coast Guard cutter. Read more>>

National Security Cutter Demonstrates Value of Capabilities Brought by Coast Guard’s Most Advanced Ship

The first-in-class National Security Cutter (NSC), CGC Bertholf (WMSL 751), recently conducted its first successful narcotics trafficking interdiction. On Wednesday, July 8, approximately 80 miles off the Guatemalan coast, Bertholf’s crew intercepted two drug smuggling boats, seized their narcotics cargo, and detained four suspected smugglers. Read more>>

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