Special Operations.Com

Patrol Coastal Mission and Description

Description: The primary mission of these ships is coastal patrol and interdiction surveillance, an important aspect of littoral operations outlined in the Navy's strategy, Forward...From the Sea. These ships also provide full mission support for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces.  Fleet Commanders in Chief (CINCLANTFLT and CINCPACFLT) are required to maintain the capability to conduct coastal patrol, surveillance and interdiction, and to maintain the capability to support Navy Special Warfare forces (SEALS) in their various areas of responsibility.  The Patrol Coastal (PC) is intended to fulfill the coastal patrol, surveillance and interdiction role defined above.  

The PC will also be employed to support Naval Special Warfare missions within the ships' inherent capabilities.  The PC will operate under warfighting doctrinal guidelines of NWP 39, Naval Coastal Warfare Doctrine; NWP 15, Naval Special Warfare; and NWP 13-1, Navy Riverine and Coastal Operations.  PC is expected to operate primarily in low-intensity conflict (LIC) environments.  Contingency scenarios will range from permissive Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) to counterinsurgency and surveillance and interdiction of coastal sea lines of communication (SLOCs).  The PC will also provide an affordable, compatible, and proven candidate for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) consideration.  

The Cyclone class ships are assigned to Naval Special Warfare. Of the thirteen ships, nine operate out of the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Va., and four operate from the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif. 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.