Hamilton-class

The Hamilton-class cutter program was initiated in the 1960s to fulfill United States Coast Guard requirements for high-endurance patrol vessels. Produced by Avondale Shipyards between 1965 and 1972, the class succeeded the Treasury-class and remained the largest cutters in the Coast Guard inventory until the introduction of the Legend-class. Of the 36 hulls originally planned, 12 were completed following the termination of the ocean stations program. The lead ship, Hamilton, entered service in 1967.

The vessels are constructed with a welded steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. The hull design incorporates a V-shaped cross-section intended to improve survivability and stability after sustaining damage. The class was the first in the United States military to employ a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, utilizing controllable-pitch propellers. Onboard facilities include a flight deck and a retractable hangar to support helicopter operations.

Initially configured for Cold War anti-submarine warfare, the cutters were equipped with a 5-inch/38 caliber naval gun, mortars, and torpedo tubes. Between the 1980s and 1992, the class underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program. This modernization replaced the primary gun with the MK 75 76 mm naval gun, updated radar and sonar systems, and added electronic warfare suites and the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). Although Harpoon anti-ship missiles were temporarily fitted to some vessels, these and the anti-submarine weapons were removed after the Cold War. Subsequent updates included the installation of MK 38 25 mm chain guns and the SeaWatch command and control system.

In service, Hamilton-class cutters frequently deployed with United States Navy Carrier Battle Groups. During the Vietnam War, several vessels supported Operation Market Time, conducting coastal patrols, maritime inspections, and naval gunfire support. The class later participated in operations Urgent Fury, Vigilant Sentinel, Deny Flight, and Iraqi Freedom. Morgenthau was the first Coast Guard cutter to deploy to the Persian Gulf. In 2007, Hamilton and Sherman completed a seizure of 20 metric tons of cocaine, which was the largest at-sea drug bust in United States history at that time. Following their retirement from the United States Coast Guard, the 12 vessels were transferred to the navies or coast guards of Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.