360’ HERITAGE-CLASS CUTTERS
(OFFSHORE PATROL CUTTERS)
(maritime security cutters, medium)———————————————————————

The 360’ Heritage-class cutters, also known as also known as the Offshore Patrol Cutter and Maritime Security Cutter - Medium, were developed as part of the Integrated Deepwater System Program in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They were intended to replace all of the 270’ Famous-class and 210’ Reliance-class Medium Endurance Cutters. The Heritage-class cutters are designed to perform various missions that include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, marine safety, ports-waterways-coastal security, defense operations, and environment protection. These highly advanced cutters will also support Arctic operations as well as helo evolutions.

Construction of the first of its class, USCGC ARGUS (WMSM-915), began in early 2019 with an expected delivery date in mid-2021. However, major contractual & legal challenges, tighter budget constraints, and unforeseen work stoppages forced numerous delays. USCGC ARGUS (WMSM-915) was finally launched on 27 October 2023, but as of early 2026, the Coast Guard had yet accepted delivery. Of the original 25 proposed Heritage-class cutters, only 9 were now planned for construction as of early 2026.

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Offshore Patrol Cutter Project Resident Office
Panama City, FL