The national security cutter is the largest and most technologically advanced of the service's new cutters. It features modern command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities and provide interoperability with U.S. Navy systems and a common operational picture to enhance maritime Domain awareness.

The national security cutter (NSC) acquisitions program address the Coast guard's need for open-ocean patrol cutters with the seakeeping, habitability, endurance and technological advancement to serve as command and control centers in the most demanding maritime environments. Each NSC is built to serve as operational-level headquarters for complex law enforcement defense and national security missions involving Coast Guard and multiple partner agency participation. The NSCs feature advanced command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; aviation support facilities; stern cutter boat launch; and long-endurance station keeping. The ships are replacing the378-foot high endurance cutters, which have been in service since the 1960s.The NSCs have already begun to show the value of their capabilities to mission execution. The Coast Guard and its interagency partners set a record in fiscal year 2017 by removing more than 455,000 pounds of cocaine, worth more than $6 billion, in the execution of drug interdiction missions. NSCs contributed to this impressive record by interdicting approximately 160,000 pounds of cocaine – more than one-third of the service’s total and about 74,000 pounds more than last year – valued at over$2.15 billion.

• Automated weapons systems capable of stopping rogue vessels
• Large flight deck and hangar space for multiple manned and unmanned aircraft
• State-of-the-art command and control equipment to support cooperation with other units and agencies
• Detection and defense capabilities against chemical, biological or radiological attack
• Advanced sensors and tactical equipment to contribute intelligence to a common operating picture and provide enhanced maritime domain awareness
• Standardized long range interceptor II (LRI-II) and over the horizon IV (OTH-IV) cutter boats with stern and side davit launch and recovery Capabilities

Links

Acquisition Directorate: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/Programs/Surface-Programs/National-Security-Cutter/

Coast Guard Cutter Stratton: https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Cutters/cgcStratton/