Return to White Hulls

Surface Effect Ships

The Coast Guard experimented with SES for 20 years
Some were more effective than others

73′ Flagstaff Class
Evaluation of hydrofoil concept in 1974
Fully operational 75 – 78
Model: Yes

Designation Name Class Hull Service Comments Pictures
USCGC Flagstaff PGH/WPBH 1 1974 – 1978 NS

115′ High Point Class
Evaluation of hydrofoil concept in 1974
Fully operational 75 – 78
Model: No

Designation Name Class Hull Service Comments Pictures
USCGC High Point PCH 1 1974 – 1978 NS

109′ Dorado Class
Operational SES
Worked well but proved uneconomical
Model: No

Designation Name Class Hull Service Comments Pictures
USCGC Dorado WSES 1 1981 – 1982 NS
USCGC Sea Hawk WSES 2 1982 – 1994
USCGC Shearwater WSES 3 1982 – 1994
USCGC Petrel WSES 4 1983 – 1994