Patrol Coastal

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USCGC Shamal (WPC-13)

The Cyclone class Patrol ships are a class of United States Navy coastal patrol boats. Five of these vessels were loaned to the United States Coast Guard in 2000, along with one to the Philippine Navy.

The primary mission of these ships was coastal patrol and interdiction surveillance, an important aspect of littoral operations outlined in the Navy's strategy, "Forward...From the Sea." These ships also provided full mission support for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. The Cyclone class ships are assigned to Naval Special Warfare. Of the thirteen ships, nine originally operated out of the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia, and four originally operated from the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. These ships provide the Naval Special Warfare Command with a fast, reliable platform that can respond to emergent requirements in a low intensity conflict environment.

The United States Coast Guard planned to use these vessels to supplement their fleet of 49 Island Class Patrol Boats while the eight of the 110 foot cutters where modified with a stern ramp modification similar to that of the Cyclone class. However, these 123-foot modified Island Class Patrol Boats were taken out of service by the Coast Guard due to major renovation flaws.