Hamilton-class cutter

Last updated
USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715).jpg
USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715), lead ship of the Hamilton class
Class overview
NameHamilton class
Builders Avondale Shipyards
OperatorsSee Operators
Preceded by Treasury-class cutter
Succeeded by Legend-class cutter [1]
Built1965–1972
In commission1967–present
Planned12
Completed12
Active
Retired12 Ensign of the United States Coast Guard.svg  United States Coast Guard
General characteristics
Type High endurance cutter / Large patrol vessel
Displacement3,250 metric tons
Length378 ft (115 m)
Beam43 ft (13 m)
Draft15 ft (4.6 m)
Installed power
  • 2 × 550KW GM 8-645 diesel generators
  • 1 × 500KW Solar Model 101506-2001 gas generator
Propulsion
Speed29 kn (54 km/h; 33 mph)
Range14,000 nmi (26,000 km; 16,000 mi)
Endurance45 days
Complement167 and can carry up to 186
Sensors and
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys		2 × MK 36 SRBOC launcher system
Armament
Aircraft carried1 × MH-65 Helicopter
Aviation facilities Flight deck and Hangar
Rush, circa 1985, with the older 5-inch/38 gun, lacking radar and Phalanx CIWS upgrades. USCGC Rush WHEC-723.jpg
Rush, circa 1985, with the older 5-inch/38 gun, lacking radar and Phalanx CIWS upgrades.

The Hamilton-class cutter was the largest class of vessel in the United States Coast Guard until replaced by the Legend-class cutter, aside from the Polar-class icebreaker. The hull classification symbol is prefixed WHEC. The cutters are called the Hamilton class after their lead ship, or the "Secretary class" because most of the vessels in the class were named for former Secretaries of the Treasury, with the exception of the "Hero-class cutters" Jarvis, Munro and Midgett.

Contents

Design

The Hamilton-class cutters were designed to be a highly versatile platform capable of performing various operations, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, oceanographic research, and defense operations. [2] Because of their endurance and capabilities, the Hamilton-class cutters commonly deployed with Carrier Battle Groups. [3] They were built with a welded steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The Hamilton-class cutters' hull was designed with a V cross section, and through tank testing the hull was expected to survive and stay afloat longer after suffering damage. [4]

They are powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system consisting of two diesel engines and two gas turbines, and have controllable-pitch propellers. They were the first U.S. military vessels with combination diesel or gas turbine operation. They were equipped with a helicopter flight deck, retractable hangar, and the facilities to support helicopter deployment.

Combat Suite

The Hamilton-class cutters were designed and built during the Cold War. Due to this they were originally equipped for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), with the capability to find, track and destroy enemy submarines. [5] When constructed, they were armed with a 5"/38 naval gun, two 81 mm mortars, two .50 caliber machine guns, two MK 10 Hedgehogs, two MK 32 torpedo tube systems, and Nixie torpedo countermeasures.

During the 1980s and 1990s the cutters were modernized under the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. The FRAM program replaced the 5"/38 gun with the MK 75 76 mm naval gun, upgraded the MK 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes to Mod 7, installed MK 36 SRBOC launchers and the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite, and upgraded the cutters' sonar and their air and surface search radars. [6] During the modernization of the cutters the U.S. Navy saw the program as a low cost and easy way to use the cutters as a valuable force multiplier with trained crews that could be called upon during war. [7]

After the completion of FRAM, a joint Navy/USCG board decided further upgrades to the cutters' armament would be implemented, including the installation of Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a MK 15 Phalanx CIWS. The Harpoon anti-ship missiles were fitted to multiple cutters of the class but only one cutter, the USCGC Mellon, ever fired a Harpoon missile, in January 1990. [8] After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the joint Navy/USCG board decided there was no military threat to require the installation of anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine weapons on board cutters, and removed the weapons. [9]

After the removal of the ASW weapons, the Coast Guard installed MK 38 25 mm chain guns on both sides of each cutter. The Hamilton-class cutters were equipped with the Coast Guard's SeaWatch command and control system, which combined navigational, tactical, surveillance and communications into one situational awareness picture, replacing the cutters' outdated Shipboard Command and Control System. [10] Missile defense was handled by the MK 36 launchers and the Phalanx CIWS.

History

The 378-foot WHEC cutter program which created the Hamilton class was initiated in the 1960s. The Hamilton-class cutters were intended to fulfill both the peacetime and wartime requirements of the Coast Guard. [11] Construction at Avondale Shipyards on the lead ship, the Hamilton, began in the 1960s and the cutter was commissioned on March 18, 1967. Originally the Coast Guard planned to build 36 Hamilton-class cutters. Due to the termination of the ocean stations program, they reduced the number of planned cutters to 12. [12]

During the Vietnam War multiple Hamilton-class cutters supported Operation Market Time. The cutters patrolled the South Vietnamese coastline, boarded and inspected suspected North Vietnamese and Viet Cong vessels, conducted naval gunfire support missions, and provided medical assistance to Vietnamese civilians. [13] Throughout their service Hamilton-class participated in other conflicts and military operations such as Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Vigilant Sentinel, Operation Deny Flight, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. [14] [15] [16]

Beginning in the 1980s and ending in 1992, the entire class was modernized through the FRAM program. The program included updates and changes to the cutters weapons, sensors, the addition of a helicopter hangar, engine overhauls, and improved habitability.

Cutters Midgett and Munro were renamed to John Midgett and Douglas Munro to allow the new Legend-class cutters Midgett and Munro to assume the former names of the two Hamilton-class cutters.

In March 2007, cutters Hamilton and Sherman intercepted the Panamanian-flagged fishing vessel Gatun in international waters and recovered 20 metric tons (20 long tons) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $600 million retail. The seizure was at that time the largest at-sea drug bust in US history. [17]

Ships in class

Ship NameHull No.BuilderLaid downLaunchedCommissionedDecommissionedFate
Hamilton WHEC-715 Avondale Shipyards January 196518 December 196518 March 196728 March 2011Transferred to the Philippine Navy on 13 May 2011 as BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS-15)
Dallas WHEC-7167 February 19661 October 196611 March 196830 March 2012Transferred to the Philippine Navy on 22 May 2012 as BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) [18]
Mellon WHEC-71725 July 196611 February 19679 January 196820 August 2020Earmarked for transfer to Vietnam Coast Guard, likely become CSB 8022
Chase WHEC-71826 October 196620 May 196711 March 196829 March 2011Transferred to Nigerian Navy on 13 May 2011 as the NNS Thunder (F90)
Boutwell WHEC-71912 December 196617 June 196724 June 196816 March 2016Transferred to the Philippine Navy on 21 July 2016 as BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17)
Sherman WHEC-72025 January 19673 September 196823 August 196829 March 2018Transferred to the Sri Lanka Navy on 27 August 2018, recommissioned 6 June 2019 as SLNS Gajabahu (P626) [19] [20]
Gallatin WHEC-72117 April 196718 November 196720 December 196831 March 2014Transferred to Nigerian Navy on 7 May 2014 as NNS Okpabana (F93) [21]
Morgenthau WHEC-72217 July 196710 February 196810 March 196918 April 2017Transferred to Vietnam Coast Guard on 25 May 2017 as CSB 8020 [22]
Rush WHEC-72323 October 196716 November 19683 July 19693 February 2015Transferred to the Bangladesh Navy on 6 May 2015 as BNS Somudra Avijan [23]
Douglas Munro WHEC-72418 February 19705 December 197027 September 197124 April 2021Transferred to the Sri Lanka Navy on 26 October 2021. Commissioned on 20 November 2022 as SLNS Vijayabahu (P627). [24]
Jarvis WHEC-7259 September 197024 April 19714 August 19722 October 2012Transferred to the Bangladesh Navy on 23 May 2013 as BNS Somudra Joy [25]
John Midgett WHEC-7265 April 19714 September 197117 March 1972June 2020 [26] Transferred to Vietnam Coast Guard on 1 June 2021 as CSB 8021 [27]

Operators

Former

See also

Related Research Articles

SLNS <i>Vijayabahu</i> (P627) United States Coast Guard cutter

SLNS Vijayabahu (P627) is an Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Sri Lanka Navy. The ship is named after King Vijayabahu I, the warrior king of the medieval Sri Lanka who founded the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Treasury-class cutter United States Coast Guard cutter class

The Treasury-class cutter was a group of seven high endurance cutters launched by the United States Coast Guard between 1936 and 1937. The class were called the "Treasury class" because they were each named for former Secretaries of the Treasury. These ships were also collectively known as the "327's" as they were all 327 feet (100 m) in length. The Treasury-class cutters proved versatile and long-lived warships. Most served the United States for over 40 years, including with distinction through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

NNS <i>Thunder</i> (F90)

USCGC Chase (WHEC-718) was a Hamilton-class High Endurance Cutter of the United States Coast Guard. She was laid down on October 26, 1966, at Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, launched on May 20, 1967, and commissioned on March 11, 1968. Chase is the fourth of twelve Hamilton class, 378-foot (115 m) cutters, and the third cutter named in honor of Salmon Portland Chase. She was decommissioned on March 29, 2011, and transferred to the Nigerian Navy as an excess defense article under the Foreign Assistance Act as NNS Thunder (F90).

USCGC <i>Morgenthau</i>

The USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722), was the eighth of twelve 378-foot dual-powered turbine/diesel Hamilton-class high endurance cutters (WHECs) built by Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Coast Guard commissioned the Morgenthau on March 10, 1969. After 48 years of continuous service the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the Morgenthau on April 18, 2017, and the ship was sold to Vietnam. On 27 May 2017 the Vietnam Coast Guard commissioned the former cutter as patrol ship CSB 8020.

USCGC <i>Hamilton</i> (WHEC-715) Hamilton-class cutter of the US Coast Guard

USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) was a United States Coast Guard high endurance cutter and the lead ship of its class. It was based at Boston, Massachusetts from commissioning until 1991, then out of San Pedro, California before it was moved to its last home port in San Diego, California. It was launched on December 18, 1965 at Avondale Shipyards near New Orleans, Louisiana and named for Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, the first United States Secretary of the Treasury and founder of the United States Revenue Cutter Service. It was commissioned on March 18, 1967.

USCGC <i>Mellon</i>

USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717) was the third United States Coast Guard Hamilton-class high endurance cutter constructed. The 2,748-ton cutter’s ocean crossing range was 10,000 miles at 20 knots.

USCGC <i>Boutwell</i> (WHEC-719) Ship of the US Coast Guard (1968-2016)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) was a United States Coast Guard high endurance cutter based out of San Diego, California. Named for George S. Boutwell, United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Ulysses S. Grant. Boutwell engaged in many Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime security, and national defense.

SLNS <i>Gajabahu</i> (P626)

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USCGC <i>John Midgett</i> U.S. Coast Guard cutter

USCGC John Midgett (WHEC-726), previously USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726), was the twelfth and latest of the United States Coast Guard's fleet of 378 ft (115 m) high endurance cutters. With her crew of 24 officers and 160 enlisted men and women, she was homeported in Seattle, Washington under the operational and administrative control of Commander, Pacific Area (COMPACAREA). Prior to Fleet Renovation and Maintenance (FRAM), the Midgett's homeport was Alameda, California.

NNS <i>Okpabana</i>

NNS Okpabana is a Hamilton-class high endurance cutter which formerly served with the U.S. Coast Guard as USCGC Gallatin (WHEC-721). Built at Avondale Shipyards near New Orleans, Louisiana, Gallatin was named for Albert Gallatin, the fourth and longest serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. Gallatin completed her final patrol 11 December 2013 and was decommissioned in 2014 before being transferred to the Nigerian Navy.

USCGC <i>Rush</i> (WHEC-723)

USCGC Rush (WHEC-723) was a United States Coast Guard high endurance Hamilton-class cutter. The ship was named after Secretary of the Treasury Richard Rush. Rush was launched on November 16, 1968, commissioned on July 3, 1969, and was decommissioned on February 3, 2015 after 45 years of Coast Guard service.

USCGC <i>Jarvis</i>

USCGC Jarvis (WHEC-725) was a Hamilton-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard. She was launched on 24 April 1971 and commissioned on 4 August 1971 homeported at Honolulu, Hawaii; served on Ocean Station November and fisheries patrols and search and rescue missions in the Bering Sea. She received a FRAM upgrade in 1990–2. Jarvis was decommissioned on 2 October 2012 and in January 2013 the Coast Guard announced that she would be transferred to the Bangladesh Navy late that year. She was commissioned as BNS Somudra Joy (F-28) on 23 December 2013.

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Legend-class cutter United States Coast Guard cutter class

The Legend-class cutter, also known as the National Security Cutter (NSC) and Maritime Security Cutter, Large, is the largest active patrol cutter class of the United States Coast Guard, with the size of a frigate. Entering into service in 2008, the Legend class is the largest of several new cutter designs developed as part of the Integrated Deepwater System Program.

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<i>Del Pilar</i>-class offshore patrol vessel Class of Philippine Navy patrol vessels

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BRP <i>Gregorio del Pilar</i> (PS-15)

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BRP <i>Andrés Bonifacio</i> (PS-17) Philippine Navy patrol ship

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USCGC <i>Midgett</i> (WMSL-757) Legend-class cutter in the United States Coast Guard

USCGC Midgett (WMSL-757) is the eighth Legend-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard and is stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. The cutter was constructed by Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding Division in Pascagoula Mississippi and delivered to the Coast Guard in April 2019. It is named in honor of all members of the Midgett family who have served in the U.S. Coast Guard, United States Life-Saving Service, and/or other predecessor life-saving services. Seven members of the Midgett family have been awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal including John Allen Midgett Jr. and Rasmus Midgett.

References

  1. ↑ Reed, John (23 May 2011). "End of an Era, USCG Retiring Hamilton Class Cutters - Defensetech". Defensetech. Archived from the original on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  2. ↑ "WHEC 378' Hamilton class". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  3. ↑ "THE CUTTERS, BOATS, AND AIRCRAFT OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD" (PDF). uscg.mil. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  4. ↑ "HAMILTON (1967)" (PDF). media.defense.gov. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  5. ↑ "The Morgenthau Experiment: Platform for progress". coastguard.dodlive.mil. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  6. ↑ Coast Guard Oversight: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Navigation of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1981. p. 87. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  7. ↑ "Mellon History". www.pacificarea.uscg.mil. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  8. ↑ "Mellon History". www.pacificarea.uscg.mil. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  9. ↑ "The History and Legacy of the United States Coast Guard Cutter BOUTWELL (WHEC 719)" (PDF). media.defense.gov. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  10. ↑ "Coast Guard Develops Indigenous Technologies for Cutters". www.afcea.org. March 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  11. ↑ U.S. Coast Guard Authorizations: Hearings Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1981. p. 22.
  12. ↑ "Coast Guard Cutter Design" (PDF). media.defense.gov. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  13. ↑ Tulich, Eugene N. (January 26, 2012). "The United States Coast Guard in South East Asia During the Vietnam Conflict". USCG Historian's Office. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  14. ↑ "The U.S. Coast Guard in Grenada". www.navalhistory.org. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  15. ↑ "Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau to be decommissioned Tuesday". coastguardnews.com. Retrieved 20 October 2019. Morgenthau was the first U.S. Coast Guard cutter to deploy to the Persian Gulf. Participating in Operation Vigilant Sentinel,
  16. ↑ "Guardians of the Gulf: A History of Coast Guard Combat Operations in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2002-2004" (PDF). media.defense.gov. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  17. ↑ "Coast Guard Seizes 43,000 Pounds of Cocaine". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  18. ↑ "Next Navy ship to be named after Corregidor hero". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  19. ↑ "USCG transfers decommissioned cutter to Sri Lanka". Archived from the original on 6 September 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  20. ↑ "President commissions U.S. Coast Guard Cutter given to Sri Lanka Navy as SLNS Gajabahu". ColomboPage. 6 June 2019. Archived from the original on 7 June 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  21. ↑ Martin, Guy (8 May 2014). "Nigeria receives ex-US Coast Guard cutter Gallatin". defenceweb.co.za. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  22. ↑ MarEx (25 May 2017). "U.S. Delivers Patrol Boats, Cutter to Vietnam". Maritime Executive. Archived from the original on 26 May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  23. ↑ ‘Somudra Avijan’ handed over to Bangladesh Navy Archived July 22, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
  24. ↑ "Sri Lanka Navy takes delivery of Ex-USCGC Douglas Munro". 26 October 2021.
  25. ↑ Mazumdar, Mrityunjoy (4 June 2013). "Former Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis Transferred to Growing Bangladesh Navy". defensemedianetwork.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  26. ↑ "Alcoast 249/20 - Jun 2020 Uscgc John Midgett (Whec 726) 48 Years of Service".
  27. ↑ "Bon Voyage, CSB 8021". Facebook. Retrieved 2021-07-21.
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