Which class of vessels is the smallest in the U.S. fleet?

The Coastal Patrol Craft (PC) represents the smallest class of vessels in the U.S. Navy fleet. These vessels, designed for operations in coastal and shallow water environments, are built to be agile and cost-effective. They typically measure around 170 feet in length, making them significantly smaller than other classes like frigates, destroyers, and littoral combat ships, which are designed for more extensive and heavily armed combat roles. The design of Coastal Patrol Crafts emphasizes nimbleness and the capability to operate in close quarters, which is essential for missions such as anti-piracy, surveillance, and escorting other vessels. This unique focus on coastal operations distinguishes them as the smallest classification within the U.S. Navy.