CUTTER

• Latitude: 39.3209
• Longitude: -76.4387
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

Marine Port Description and Specification: Cutter in the US

A "cutter" is typically a term used to describe a type of vessel rather than a specific marine port. In the United States, "cutter" often refers to vessels used by the U.S. Coast Guard. Below is an outline of what a cutter is and its specifications:

Definition of a Cutter

• Cutter (Vessel): A cutter refers to a small to medium-sized vessel, traditionally defined by its rigging in historical terms, but in modern usage, especially in the U.S., it represents various classes of ships used by the Coast Guard for different missions.

Types of Cutters

1. Fast Response Cutters (FRC):

   • Length: Approximately 154 feet (47 meters).
   • Speed: Up to 28 knots.
   • Range: 2,950 nautical miles.
   • Crew: 24 personnel.
   • Mission: Law enforcement, search and rescue, national defense, and environmental protection.

2. Medium Endurance Cutters (MEC):

   • Length: Approximately 210 to 270 feet (64 to 82 meters).
   • Speed: Up to 18 knots.
   • Range: 6,100 nautical miles.
   • Crew: Around 70 to 100 personnel.
   • Mission: Law enforcement, search and rescue, and defense readiness.

3. High Endurance Cutters (HEC):

   • Length: Approximately 378 feet (115 meters).
   • Speed: Up to 29 knots.
   • Range: 14,000 nautical miles.
   • Crew: Around 160 personnel.
   • Mission: Long-range missions, including defense, law enforcement, and search and rescue.

4. National Security Cutters (NSC):

   • Length: Approximately 418 feet (127 meters).
   • Speed: Up to 28 knots.
   • Range: 12,000 nautical miles.
   • Crew: Around 148 personnel.
   • Mission: Expansive law enforcement, search and rescue, defense operations, and national security.

Specifications for U.S. Cutter Classes

• Hull and Construction: Typically, steel or aluminum hulls designed for durability and conditions of extended operations at sea.
• Propulsion: Diesel engines or gas turbines, often complemented by additional propulsion systems for maneuvers.
• Armament: Might include mounted machine guns, small caliber naval guns, and other defensive systems.
• Navigation and Communication: Advanced radar and satellite communication systems for integrated operations with other naval and aerial units.
• Medical and Living Facilities: Onboard sick bays, crew quarters, galley, and recreational areas to support crew during extended deployments.

Mission Capabilities

• Law Enforcement: Drug interdiction, illegal trafficking prevention, and fisheries enforcement.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): Responding to maritime emergencies, such as distressed vessels and natural disaster accelerant.
• Environmental Protection: Oil spill response, hazardous material handling, and ecosystem protection.
• Defense Readiness: Support navy operations, homeland security missions, and tactical readiness for national defense.

Operational Ports

Cutters are stationed across multiple Coast Guard bases in the United States, including but not limited to:

• Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland: Primary port for maintenance and repair.
• Base Portsmouth, Virginia: Significant operational hub.
• Base Alameda, California: West Coast operations.
• Base Miami Beach, Florida: Key location for Caribbean operations.
• Base Kodiak, Alaska: Northern and Arctic operations.

Conclusion

The term "cutter" in the US refers to versatile and essential vessels of the Coast Guard, designed for various enduring roles in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental protection, and defense. The specifications and capabilities outlined illuminate the importance and operational readiness these vessels provide to national and international maritime safety and security.