Cyclone-class (PC-1)

Summary

Description

The Cyclone-class patrol ships were a class of coastal patrol boats, initially utilized by the United States Navy. Created primarily for coastal patrol and interdiction surveillance, they align with the strategic concept of littoral operations described in the Navy's strategy "Forward… From the Sea." Additionally, they supported U.S. Navy SEALs and other special operations forces, providing a valuable platform for Naval Special Warfare.

Originating as a need to replace Vietnam War-era boats for transporting SEAL teams, the development of these ships followed a failed attempt at creating a stealthy surface effect ship in the 1980s. The subsequent design was based on a simple adaptation of existing designs, specifically the Vosper Thornycroft Province-class fast attack craft. Bollinger Shipyards, responsible for this adapted design, delivered the navy with a larger 56.7-meter vessel, replacing the smaller PB Mk IIIs boats.

The Cyclone-class ships were armed, housing weapons such as two 25mm autocannons. Their operational history includes deployment for guarding Iraq's offshore oil terminals post-2003 occupation, among other patrol duties in the Persian Gulf. Later, decommissioned U.S. Navy ships were either scrapped or sold to other countries. Before decommissioning, Bahrain, Egypt, and the Philippines acquired some of these vessels for their naval forces.

During their service, fourteen ships were commissioned with the United States Navy, where they were stationed at various naval bases such as Little Creek and Coronado. Nine operated out of Norfolk, Virginia, and four from Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. They were also temporarily transferred to and employed by the U.S. Coast Guard for various roles, including search and rescue and boarding inspections. By 2015, most were stationed in Bahrain, serving security interests in the Persian Gulf, while the rest awaited reassignment to Naval Station Mayport for drug interdiction duties.

However, all Cyclone-class ships were decommissioned by March 2023 due to the fatigue damage they suffered over time, highlighted by their designed lifespan of 15 years. Decommissioning activities included the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces commissioning five vessels, while the Egyptian Navy received three as part of a foreign military sale (FMS), and the Philippine Navy added three to their fleet. The last two stationed in Bahrain were decommissioned in March 2023, with the final ships set to be either scrapped or made available for sale through FMS.

The Cyclone-class patrol ships have operated across various regions and have been a part of the naval fleet of several countries. The Royal Bahrain Naval Force currently operates five, the Egyptian Navy has three, and the Philippine Navy also utilizes three units. Previously, the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard were the primary operators of the Cyclone-class ships.

Technical specifications

Photo of Cyclone class