High-Endurance Cutter
E2. Naval, defence and maritime law enforcementDefinition
USCG large cutter class (e.g., Legend/National Security Cutter).
A large US Coast Guard cutter built for extended offshore patrol, law enforcement, and search and rescue. The legacy 378-foot Hamilton-class High Endurance Cutters (WHEC) are being replaced by the 418-foot Legend-class National Security Cutters (WMSL), which carry a helicopter, boats, and the Mk 110 57 mm gun for missions across the exclusive economic zone (UNCLOS Article 56, to 200 nm) and beyond. “Cutter” is the USCG term for any commissioned vessel 65 feet or longer with crew accommodation.
Source: US Coast Guard cutter classifications: Hamilton-class WHEC (378 ft), Legend-class National Security Cutter WMSL (418 ft).