The Legendclass national security cutter (NSC) is the centerpiece of the Coast Guard’s fleet, capable of executing the most challenging operations, including supporting maritime homeland security and defense missions.

The largest and most technologically advanced of the Coast Guard’s newest classes of cutters, the NSCs replace the aging 378foot high endurance cutters, which have been in service since the 1960s. Compared to legacy cutters, the NSCs’ design provides better seakeeping and higher sustained transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and the ability to launch and recover small boats from astern, as well as aviation support facilities and a flight deck for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.