PlatformsThe U.S. Coast Guard uses a variety of platforms to conduct its daily business. Cutters and small boats are used on the water and fixed and rotary wing (helicopters) aircraft are used in the air. CuttersA "Cutter" is any Coast Guard vessel 65 feet in length or greater, having adequate accommodations for crew to live on board. Larger cutters (over 180 feet in length) are under control of Area Commands (Atlantic Area or Pacific Area). Cutters at or under 180 feet in length come under control of District Commands. Cutters, usually have a motor surf boat and/or a rigid hull inflatable boat on board. [Polar-class icebreakers (WAGB)]? also carry an Arctic Survey Boat (ASB) and Landing Craft. * [Polar-Class Icebreaker (WAGB)]? * [High Endurance Cutter (WHEC)]? * [Inland Icebreaker (WAGB)]? * [Training Barque Eagle (WIX)]? * [Medium Endurance Cutter (WMEC)]? * [Seagoing Buoy Tender (WLB)]? * [Coastal Buoy Tender (WLM)]? * [Inland Construction Tender (WLIC)]? * [Icebreaking Tug (WTGB)]? * [River Buoy Tender (WLR)]? * [Patrol Boat (WPB)]? * [Inland Buoy Tender (WLI)]? * [Coastal Patrol Boat (WPB)]? * [Small Harbor Tug (WYTL)]? AircraftThere are a total of 211 aircraft in USCG inventory. This figure fluctuates operationally due to maintenance schedules. Fixed-wing aircraft ([HC-130 Hercules]? turboprops and [HU-25 Guardian]? jets) operate from large and small Air Stations. Rotary wing aircraft ([HH-65 Dolphin]? and [HH-60 Jayhawk]? helicopters) operate from flight-deck equipped Cutters, Air Stations and Air Facilities. * [HC-130 Hercules]? * [HU-25 Guardian]? * [HH-60 Jayhawk]? * [HH-65 Dolphin]? Boats(Approximately 1400 - number fluctuates). All vessels under 65 feet in length are classified as boats and usually operate near shore and on inland waterways. Sizes range from 64 feet in length down to 12 feet. * [Arctic Survey Boat (ASB)]? * [Motor Life Boat (MLB)]? * [Utility Boat (UTB)]? * [Deployable Pursuit Boat (DPB)]? * [Aids to Navigation Boats (TANB/BUSL/ANB/ANB)]? * [Transportable Port Security Boat (TPSB)]? * [Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHI)]? Missions |
Maritime SafetySearch and Rescue |
Maritime SafetySearch and Rescue |
Marine Safety |
Marine Safety |
Recreational Boating Safety |
Recreational Boating Safety |
International Ice Patrol |
International Ice Patrol |
Maritime MobilityAids to Navigation |
Maritime Mobility |
Icebreaking Services |
Aids to Navigation |
Bridge Administration |
Icebreaking Services |
Vessel Traffic / Waterways Management |
Bridge Administration |
Maritime SecurityDrug Interdiction |
Vessel Traffic and Waterways Management |
Alien Migrant Interdiction |
Maritime Security |
[US Exclusive Economic Zone]? and Living Marine Resource |
Drug Interdiction |
Law / Treaty Enforcement |
Alien Migrant Interdiction |
General Maritime Law Enforcement |
[US Exclusive Economic Zone]? and Living Marine Resource |
National DefenseGeneral Defense Duties |
Law and Treaty Enforcement |
Homeland Security |
General Maritime Law Enforcement |
Port and Waterways Security |
National Defense |
Polar Icebreaking |
General Defense Duties |
Protection of Natural ResourcesMarine Pollution Education, Prevention, Response & Enforcement |
Homeland Security Port and Waterways Security Polar Icebreaking Protection of Natural ResourcesMarine Pollution Education, Prevention, Response & Enforcement |
Foreign Vessel Inspections |
Foreign Vessel Inspections |
Living Marine Resources Protection |
Living Marine Resources Protection |
Marine and Environmental Science |
Marine and Environmental Science |
Those who have piloted or flown in U.S. Coast Guard aircraft under official flight orders may join the [/Ancient Order of the Pterodactyls]? ("Flying Since the World was Flat"). |
Those who have piloted or flown in U.S. Coast Guard aircraft under official flight orders may join the [/Ancient Order of the Pterodactyls]? ("Flying Since the World was Flat"). |