Intro
Discover the arsenal of the US Coast Guard, including advanced weapons and equipment used for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and homeland security. Explore the cutters, aircraft, and small boats that enable the Coast Guard to protect Americas coastlines, plus the latest technology and gear used by its brave men and women.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a unique branch of the US military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. With a wide range of responsibilities, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, marine safety, and environmental protection, the USCG requires a diverse array of weapons and equipment to carry out its missions.
US Coast Guard Cutters

The USCG operates a fleet of cutters, which are ships that are designed to perform a variety of tasks, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine safety inspections. Cutters range in size from 65 feet to over 400 feet in length and are equipped with a range of armaments, including machine guns, cannons, and missile systems.
Types of US Coast Guard Cutters
The USCG operates several types of cutters, including:
- High Endurance Cutters (WHECs): These are the largest and most heavily armed cutters in the USCG fleet, with a length of over 400 feet and a crew of over 150.
- Medium Endurance Cutters (WMECs): These cutters are smaller than WHECs, but still have a length of over 200 feet and a crew of around 100.
- Fast Response Cutters (FRCs): These cutters are designed for fast and agile response to a variety of maritime threats, with a length of around 150 feet and a crew of around 20.
- Patrol Boats (WPBs): These are the smallest cutters in the USCG fleet, with a length of around 80 feet and a crew of around 10.
US Coast Guard Aircraft

The USCG operates a fleet of aircraft, including helicopters, planes, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These aircraft are used for a variety of tasks, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and marine safety inspections.
Types of US Coast Guard Aircraft
The USCG operates several types of aircraft, including:
- MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopters: These helicopters are used for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and marine safety inspections.
- MH-65 Dolphin Helicopters: These helicopters are used for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and marine safety inspections.
- HC-144 Ocean Sentry Planes: These planes are used for maritime law enforcement, marine safety inspections, and search and rescue.
- MQ-9 Reaper UAVs: These UAVs are used for maritime law enforcement and marine safety inspections.
US Coast Guard Boats

The USCG operates a fleet of boats, including small response boats, port security boats, and aids to navigation boats. These boats are used for a variety of tasks, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and marine safety inspections.
Types of US Coast Guard Boats
The USCG operates several types of boats, including:
- Response Boats (RBs): These boats are used for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and marine safety inspections.
- Port Security Boats (PSBs): These boats are used for maritime law enforcement and marine safety inspections in ports and harbors.
- Aids to Navigation Boats (ANBs): These boats are used to maintain and repair aids to navigation, such as buoys and lighthouses.
US Coast Guard Personal Equipment

USCG personnel use a variety of personal equipment, including firearms, body armor, and communication devices.
Types of US Coast Guard Personal Equipment
The USCG uses several types of personal equipment, including:
- M4 Carbines: These are the primary firearm used by USCG personnel.
- M9 Pistols: These are used as a secondary firearm by USCG personnel.
- Body Armor: USCG personnel use body armor to protect themselves from harm in high-risk situations.
- Communication Devices: USCG personnel use a variety of communication devices, including radios and satellite phones, to stay in contact with each other and with other agencies.
US Coast Guard Technology

The USCG uses a range of technology to support its missions, including radar, electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), and automatic identification systems (AIS).
Types of US Coast Guard Technology
The USCG uses several types of technology, including:
- Radar: USCG vessels and aircraft use radar to detect and track other vessels and aircraft.
- ECDIS: USCG vessels use ECDIS to navigate and to display electronic charts.
- AIS: USCG vessels and shore-based stations use AIS to track the location and status of other vessels.
US Coast Guard Vehicles

The USCG uses a range of vehicles to support its missions, including trucks, buses, and all-terrain vehicles.
Types of US Coast Guard Vehicles
The USCG uses several types of vehicles, including:
- Trucks: USCG personnel use trucks to transport equipment and supplies.
- Buses: USCG personnel use buses to transport personnel.
- All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs): USCG personnel use ATVs to patrol beaches and other areas that are difficult to access.
US Coast Guard Facilities

The USCG operates a range of facilities to support its missions, including bases, stations, and air stations.
Types of US Coast Guard Facilities
The USCG operates several types of facilities, including:
- Bases: USCG bases are large facilities that serve as the main hub for USCG operations in a particular area.
- Stations: USCG stations are smaller facilities that are used to support USCG operations in a particular area.
- Air Stations: USCG air stations are facilities that are used to support USCG aviation operations.
Gallery of US Coast Guard Equipment
US Coast Guard Equipment Image Gallery










What is the main mission of the US Coast Guard?
+The main mission of the US Coast Guard is to protect the public, the environment, and the United States' economic and security interests in the maritime domain.
What types of equipment does the US Coast Guard use?
+The US Coast Guard uses a wide range of equipment, including cutters, aircraft, boats, vehicles, and personal gear.
What is the difference between a US Coast Guard cutter and a US Coast Guard boat?
+A US Coast Guard cutter is a larger vessel that is designed for long-range patrols and operations, while a US Coast Guard boat is a smaller vessel that is used for shorter-range patrols and operations.
What is the role of the US Coast Guard in maritime law enforcement?
+The US Coast Guard plays a critical role in maritime law enforcement, including enforcing laws and regulations related to immigration, customs, and fisheries.
What is the US Coast Guard's search and rescue mission?
+The US Coast Guard's search and rescue mission is to respond to and rescue people in distress in the maritime domain.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the US Coast Guard's equipment and technology. From cutters and aircraft to personal gear and facilities, the US Coast Guard uses a wide range of equipment to carry out its critical missions. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to ask.