Editing United States Coast Guard (section)

==Equipment==
{{main|List of equipment of the United States Coast Guard}}

===Cutters===
[[File:USCG National Security Cutter BERTHOLF (WMSL-750).jpeg|thumb|right|{{USCGC|Bertholf|WMSL-750}}, the first [[Legend-class cutter|Legend-class]] national security cutters]]
The Coast Guard operates 243 cutters,<ref name="uscg.mil1"/> defined as any vessel more than {{convert|65|ft}} long, that has a permanently assigned crew and accommodations for the extended support of that crew.<ref name=cutterdef>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/5000-5999/CIM_5000_3B.pdf#page=122 |format=PDF |title=United States Coast Guard Regulations, Chapter 10 – Classification and Status of Coast Guard Vessels |year=1992 |id=COMDINSTM 5000.3B |access-date=6 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103063017/http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/5000-5999/CIM_5000_3B.pdf#page=122 |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[National Security Cutter]] (WMSL): Also known as the Legend-class, these are the Coast Guard's latest class of {{convert|418|ft|m|adj=on}} cutter. At 418&nbsp;ft. these are the largest USCG military cutters in active service. One-for-one, Legend-class ships have replaced individually decommissioned 1960s {{sclass|Hamilton|cutter|2}}s, (also known as the [[High Endurance Cutter]] (WHEC)). A total of eleven were authorized and budgeted; as of 2021 eight are in service, and two are under construction.
* [[USCG medium endurance cutter|Medium Endurance Cutter]] (WMEC): These are mostly the {{convert|210|ft|m|0|adj=on}} ''Reliance''-class, and the {{convert|270|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Famous-class cutters, although the {{convert|283|ft|adj=on}} {{USCGC|Alex Haley|WMEC-39|2}} also falls into this category. Primary missions are law enforcement, search and rescue, and military defense. [[Heritage-class cutter]]s are expected to eventually replace the ''Reliance''- and Famous-class cutters as they are completed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/07/21/eastern-shipbuilding-protests-coast-guard-offshore-patrol-cutter-award-to-austal-usa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006000542/https://news.usni.org/2022/07/21/eastern-shipbuilding-protests-coast-guard-offshore-patrol-cutter-award-to-austal-usa |url-status=live |archive-date=6 October 2022 |title=Eastern Shipbuilding Protests Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Award to Austal USA |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=21 July 2022 |website=news.usni.org |publisher=USNI News |access-date=6 October 2022}}</ref>
* {{sclass2|Polar|icebreaker}} (WAGB): There are three WAGB's used for icebreaking and research though only two, the heavy {{convert|399|ft|m|0|adj=on}} {{USCGC|Polar Star|WAGB-10|2}} and the newer medium class {{convert|420|ft|m|adj=on}} {{USCGC|Healy||2}}, are active.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/Healy.asp |title=420-foot Icebreaker (WAGB) |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111033408/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/Healy.asp |archive-date=11 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/icepolr.asp |title=399-foot Polar Class Icebreakers (WAGB) |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110102541/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/icepolr.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/16608825/article-Alaska-Lt--Gov--calls-for-US-icebreakers-? |title=Alaska Lt. Gov. calls for US icebreakers |agency=[[Associated Press]] |newspaper=[[Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]] |date=30 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120040330/http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/16608825/article-Alaska-Lt--Gov--calls-for-US-icebreakers- |archive-date=20 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/october-2013-navy-world-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-news/1311--northrop-grumman-to-supply-polar-ice-breaker-navigation-support-for-us-coast-guard.html |title=Northrop Grumman to Supply Polar Ice Breaker Navigation Support for U.S. Coast Guard |date=20 October 2013 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021120752/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2013-news/october-2013-navy-world-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-news/1311--northrop-grumman-to-supply-polar-ice-breaker-navigation-support-for-us-coast-guard.html |archive-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> {{USCGC|Polar Sea|WAGB-11|2}} is located in Seattle, Washington but is not currently in active service. The icebreakers are being replaced with new heavy icebreakers under the [[Polar Security Cutter program|Polar icebreaker program]], the world's largest coast guard vessel due for delivery in 2025.
* [[Aiviq|''USCGC Storis'']]: A 360-foot (110 m) Icebreaker previously used by [[Shell plc|Royal Dutch Shell]] before being bought by the Coast Guard in December 2024.
* {{USCGC|Eagle|WIX-327|6}}: A {{convert|295|ft|adj=on}} sailing barque used as a training ship for Coast Guard Academy cadets and Coast Guard officer candidates. She was originally built in Germany as [[Horst Wessel#Memorial namings|''Horst Wessel'']], and was seized by the United States as a [[prize of war]] in 1945.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 June 2013 |title=U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle (WIX-327) |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/wixtrain.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110061929/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/wixtrain.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |access-date=14 November 2009 |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2 June 2017 |title=USCGC Eagle |url=http://www.lotsofhonor.com/blog/2017/06/02/uscgc-eagle-port-canaveral/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006015533/http://www.lotsofhonor.com/blog/2017/06/02/uscgc-eagle-port-canaveral/ |archive-date=6 October 2017 |access-date=5 July 2017 |publisher=Lots of Honor}}</ref>
* {{USCGC|Mackinaw|WLBB-30|6}}: A {{convert|240|ft|m|0|adj=on}} heavy icebreaker built for operations on the [[Great Lakes]].
* [[USCG seagoing buoy tender|Seagoing Buoy Tender]] (WLB): These {{convert|225|ft|m|adj=on}} ships are used to maintain aids to navigation and also assist with law enforcement and search and rescue.
* [[USCG coastal buoy tender|Coastal Buoy Tender]] (WLM): The {{convert|175|ft|m|adj=on}} Keeper-class coastal buoy tenders are used to maintain coastal aids to navigation.
* {{sclass2|Sentinel|cutter|0}} [[United States Coast Guard Cutter|cutter]] (WPC): The {{convert|154|ft|m|adj=on}} Sentinel-class, also known by its program name, the "Fast Response Cutter"-class and is used for search and rescue work and law enforcement.
* {{sclass2|Bay|tugboat|0}} [[Icebreaker|icebreaking tug]] (WTGB): {{convert|140|ft|m|adj=on}} icebreakers used primarily for domestic icebreaking missions. Other missions include search and rescue, law enforcement, and aids to navigation maintenance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/140wtgb.asp |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |title=140-foot Icebreaking Tug (WTGB) - Bay Class |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=11 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110125248/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/140wtgb.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Patrol Boat]]s (WPB): There are two classes of WPBs currently in service; the {{convert|110|ft|m|0|adj=on}} {{sclass2|Island|patrol boat|1}}s and the {{convert|87|ft|m|0|adj=on}} {{sclass2|Marine Protector|patrol boat|1}}s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/110wpb.asp |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |title=110-foot Patrol Boat (WPB) - Island Class |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107203719/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/110wpb.asp |archive-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/87wpb.asp |website=Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters |title=87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat (WPB) - Marine Protector Class |date=28 June 2013 |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110123940/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/87wpb.asp |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[USCG 65' Small harbor tug|Small Harbor Tug]] (WYTL): {{convert|65|ft|m|adj=on}} small icebreaking tugboats, used primary for ice clearing in domestic harbors in addition to limited search and rescue and law enforcement roles.

===Boats===
[[File:USCG response boat medium 45607 Yorktown.jpg|thumb|U.S. Coast Guard {{convert|45|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Response Boat Medium (RB-M)]]

The Coast Guard operates about 1,650 boats,<ref name="uscg.mil1"/> defined as any vessel less than {{convert|65|ft}} long, which generally operate near shore and on inland waterways.

The Coast Guard boat fleet includes:
* [[47-foot Motor Lifeboat]] (MLB): The Coast Guard's {{convert|47|ft|adj=on}} primary heavy-weather boat used for search and rescue as well as law enforcement and homeland security.
* [[Response Boat – Medium]] (RB-M): A new multi-mission {{convert|45|ft|adj=on}} vessel intended to replace the {{convert|41|ft|adj=on}} utility boat. 170 planned
*[[USCG Deployable Pursuit Boat|Deployable Pursuit Boat]] (DPB): A {{convert|38|ft|adj=on}} launch capable of pursuing fast cocaine smuggling craft.
* [[Long Range Interceptor]] (LRI): A {{convert|36|ft|adj=on}} high-speed launch that can be launched from the stern ramps of the larger Deepwater cutters.
* [[Aids to Navigation Boat]] (TANB/BUSL/ATON/ANB): Various designs ranging from {{convert|26|to|55|ft}} used to maintain aids to navigation.
* Special Purpose Craft – Law Enforcement (SPC-LE): Intended to operate in support of specialized law enforcement missions, utilizing three {{convert|300|hp}} [[Mercury Marine]] engines. The SPC-LE is {{convert|33|ft}} long and capable of speeds in excess of {{convert|50|kn}} and operations more than {{convert|30|mi}} from shore.
* [[Response boat - Small II|29-foot Response Boat Small II]] (RBS-II): The successor to the [[Defender-class boat|25-foot RB-S]], the RBS-II is a 29 foot (9 m) high speed, multi-mission boat commonly used for search and rescue, [[port security]], and law enforcement. Improvements from the RB-S include improved visibility and modernized electronic chart plotter capabilities.
* [[25-foot Transportable Port Security Boat]] (TPSB): A {{convert|25|ft|adj=on}} well-armed boat used by [[Port Security Unit]]s for force protection.
* Special Purpose Craft, Shallow-water (SPC-SW): {{convert|24|ft}}{{clarify|reason=Needs more; |date=August 2013}}
* [[Cutter Boat – Over the Horizon]] (OTH): A {{convert|23|ft|adj=on}} rigid hull inflatable boat used by medium and high endurance cutters and specialized units.
* [[Short Range Prosecutor|Short Range Prosecutor (SRP)]]: A {{convert|23|ft|adj=on}} rigid hull inflatable boat that can be launched from a stern launching ramp on the National Security Cutters.

===Aircraft===
[[File:Coast Guard Airframe Fleet.jpg|thumb|Every aircraft in the U.S. Coast Guard fleet in June 2024. From left: [[HC-130J]], [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|C-27J]], [[EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry|HC-144]], [[C-37B]], [[MH-60T]], [[Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin|MH-65E]]]]
The Coast Guard operates approximately 201 [[List of active United States military aircraft#Coast Guard|fixed and rotary wing aircraft]]<ref name="uscg.mil1"/> from 24 [[United States Coast Guard Air Stations|Coast Guard Air Stations]] throughout the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Most of these air stations are tenant activities at civilian airports, several of which are former Air Force Bases and Naval Air Stations, although several are also independent military facilities. Coast Guard Air Stations are also located on active Naval Air Stations, [[Air National Guard]] bases, and Army Air Fields.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Coast Guard aviators receive Primary (fixed-wing) and Advanced (fixed or rotary-wing) flight training with their Navy and Marine Corps counterparts at [[NAS Whiting Field]], Florida, and [[NAS Corpus Christi]], Texas, and are considered [[United States Naval Aviator|Naval Aviators]]. After receiving [[Naval Aviator insignia|Naval Aviator Wings]], Coast Guard pilots, with the exception of those slated to fly the HC-130, report to [[Coast Guard Aviation Training Center|U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center, Mobile, Alabama]] to receive 6–12 weeks of specialized training in the Coast Guard fleet aircraft they will operate. HC-130 pilots report to [[Little Rock AFB]], Arkansas, for joint C-130 training under the auspices of the [[314th Airlift Wing]] of the [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]].{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Fixed-wing aircraft operate from Air Stations on long-duration missions. Helicopters operate from Air Stations and can deploy on a number of different cutters. Helicopters can rescue people or intercept vessels smuggling migrants or narcotics. Since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the Coast Guard has developed a more prominent role in national security and now has armed helicopters operating in high-risk areas for the purpose of maritime law enforcement and anti-terrorism.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

The Coast Guard is now developing an [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)]] program that will utilize the [[MQ-9 Guardian|MQ-9 Reaper]] platform for homeland security and search/rescue operations. To support this endeavor, the Coast Guard has partnered with the Navy and [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] to study existing/emerging unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities within their respective organizations. As these systems mature, research and operational experience gleaned from this joint effort will enable the Coast Guard to develop its own cutter and land-based UAS capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gocoastguard.com/about-the-coast-guard/experience-the-coast-guard/coast-guardsman-pioneers-unmanned-aerial-0|title=COAST GUARDSMAN PIONEERS UNMANNED AERIAL SURVEILLANCE|publisher=gocoastguard.com|date=2021|access-date=21 January 2023|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122134510/https://www.gocoastguard.com/about-the-coast-guard/experience-the-coast-guard/coast-guardsman-pioneers-unmanned-aerial-0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Current aircraft===
{{avilisthead|nonstandard}}
|-
! Type
! Manufacturer
! Origin
! Class
! Role
! Introduced
! In service<ref>{{cite web|title = The Scramble Military Database USA-Coast Guard|url = https://www.scramble.nl/index.php?option=com_mildb&view=search&Itemid=60&af=uscg|website = scramble.nl|access-date = 1 May 2019}}{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
! Notes
|-
| [[Alenia C-27J Spartan|C-27J Spartan]]
|Alenia Aeronautica
| U.S.<br />Italy
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2014
| 14
| Former Air Force aircraft, acquired in return for the release of seven HC-130H aircraft to the [[United States Forest Service]] for use as aerial tankers.
|-
| [[Gulfstream V|C-37A]]
|Gulfstream
| U.S.
| Jet
| Priority Airlift
| 1998
| 1
| Priority Airlift for high-ranking members of the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] and U.S. Coast Guard.
|-
| [[Gulfstream G550|C-37B]]
|Gulfstream
| U.S.
| Jet
| Priority Airlift
| 2017
| 1
| Priority Airlift for high-ranking members of the [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] and U.S. Coast Guard.
|-
| [[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130H Hercules]]
|Lockheed Martin
| U.S.
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 1974
| 14
| Most have been removed from service and are being replaced by HC-130J aircraft. Seven were turned over to the United States Forest Service to be converted to aerial firefighting tankers.
|-
| [[Lockheed HC-130|HC-130J Hercules]]
|Lockheed Martin
| U.S.
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2003
| 12
| More on order, currently being manufactured to replace HC-130H.
|-
| [[EADS CASA HC-144 Ocean Sentry|HC-144A Ocean Sentry]]
|Airbus
| U.S.<br />Spain
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2009
| 15
| 
|-
| [[EADS CASA HC-144 Ocean Sentry|HC-144B Minotaur]]
|Airbus
| U.S.<br />Spain
| Turboprop
| [[Search and rescue]]
| 2016
| 3
| Minotaur upgrade of HC-144A aircraft includes advance navigation and search and rescue equipment.
|-
| [[Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk|MH-60T Jayhawk]]
|Sikorsky
| U.S.
| Helicopter
| Medium Range Recovery (MRR)
| 1990
| 51
| may remain in service until 2035
|- 
| [[Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin|MH-65E Dolphin]]
|Eurocopter
| U.S.<br />France
| Helicopter
| Short Range Recovery (SRR)
| 1984
| 46
| Upgraded version of MH-65D with advanced avionics and search and rescue equipment
|}

===Weapons===
[[File:US Navy 090711-G-3885B-128 Sailors aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Legare (WMEC 912) fire the ship's MK-75 76mm cannon during an underway gun shoot exercise.jpg|thumb|USCGC Legare fire the ship's MK-75 76mm cannon]]

====Naval guns====
Most Coast Guard Cutters have one or more naval gun systems installed, including:

*The [[Oto Melara 76 mm]], a radar-guided computer controlled gun system that is used on Medium Endurance Cutters. The 3-inch gun's high rate of fire and availability of specialized ammunition make it a multi-purpose gun capable of anti-shipping, anti-aircraft, ground support, and short-range anti-missile defense.
*The MK 110 57&nbsp;mm gun, a radar-guided computer controlled variant of the [[Bofors 57 mm L/70 naval artillery gun|Bofors 57 mm gun]]. It is used on the [[Legend-class cutter|Legend-class cutter, also known as the National Security Cutter (NSC)]]. It is a multi-purpose gun capable of anti-shipping, anti-aircraft, and short-range anti-missile defense. The stealth mount has a reduced radar profile. Also, the gun has a small radar mounted on the gun barrel to measure muzzle velocity for fire control purposes and can change ammunition types instantly due to a dual-feed system. It can also be operated/fired manually using a joystick and video camera (mounted on gun).
*The [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk 38 Mod 0]] weapons system consists of an M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun and the Mk 88 Mod 0 machine gun mount. A manned system, its gyro-stabilization compensates for the pitching deck. It provides ships with defensive and offensive gunfire capability for the engagement of a variety of surface targets. Designed primarily as a close-range defensive measure, it provides protection against patrol boats, floating mines, and various shore-based targets.
*The [[M242 Bushmaster|Mk 38 Mod 2]] weapons system is a remotely operated Mk 38 with an electronic optical sight, laser range-finder, [[FLIR]], a more reliable feeding system, all of which enhance the weapon systems capabilities and accuracy.
*The [[Phalanx CIWS]] (pronounced "sea-wiz") is a close-in weapon system for defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles. it can also be used against a variety of surface targets. Consisting of a radar-guided 20&nbsp;mm 6-barreled [[M61 Vulcan]] cannon mounted on a swiveling base, it is used on the Coast Guard's National Security Cutters. This system can operate autonomously against airborne threats or may be manually operated with the use of electronic optical sight, laser range-finder and FLIR systems against surface targets.
*The [[CROWS|Sea PROTECTOR MK50]] is a remotely controlled gyro-stabilized [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun]]. The sight package includes a daylight video camera, a thermal camera and an eye-safe laser rangefinder operated by a joystick. It is also furnished with a fully integrated fire control system that provides ballistic correction. The Mk50s are used on only four [[Marine Protector-class patrol boat|Marine Protector-class]] Cutters, the {{USCGC|Sea Fox|WPB-87374}}, {{USCGC|Sea Devil|WPB-87368}}, {{USCGC|Sea Dragon|WPB-87367}} and {{USCGC|Sea Dog|WPB-87373}}

====Small arms and light weapons====
[[File:USCG SIG P229.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[P229|SIG P229R]]-DAK is the [[List of equipment of the United States Coast Guard|standard sidearm of the U.S. Coast Guard]].]]

The U.S. Coast Guard uses a wide variety of small arms and light weapons that include:
{| class="wikitable" border="0" width="100%"
! width="25%" |Name
! width="25%" |Country of origin
! width="25%" |Type
!Status
|-
|[[M1911 pistol|Colt Gold Match M1911]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Marksmanship badges (United States)|EIC Competition Use]]
|-
|[[M16 rifle|Colt M16A4]]
|[[Assault rifle]]
|-
|[[Glock|Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS]]
|{{Flag|Austria}}
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| rowspan="6" |Standard issue
|-
|[[Remington 870|Remington 870P]]
| rowspan="8" |{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Shotgun]]
|-
|[[M4 carbine|Colt M4]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Assault rifle]]
|-
|[[Close Quarters Battle Receiver]]
|-
|[[M14 rifle#M14 Tactical|M14 Tactical]] 
|[[Battle rifle]]
|-
|[[M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System|Mk 11 Mod 2 precision rifle]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Sniper rifle]]
|-
|[[Barrett M82|Barrett M107 .50-caliber rifle]]
|Used by marksmen from the [[Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron]] and [[Law Enforcement Detachments]] to disable the engines on fleeing boats.
|-
|[[M240 machine gun]]
|[[General-purpose machine gun]]
| rowspan="2" |Standard issue
|-
|[[Mk 19 grenade launcher|Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher]]
|[[Grenade launcher]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Crew-Served Weapon, MK-19, 40mm Machine Gun Course (MK-19) |url=https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/SMTC/Training/Crew-Served-Weapon-MK-19-40mm-Machine-Gun-Course-MK-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318195341/http://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/SMTC/Training/Crew-Served-Weapon-MK-19-40mm-Machine-Gun-Course-MK-19/ |archive-date=18 March 2018 |access-date=25 April 2018 |website=Forcecom.uscg.mil}}</ref>
|}