Did you know that the number Coast Guard ships built in Pascagoula, MS is not only staggering but continues to shape America’s national security and global presence? Pascagoula’s shipyards have produced a significant portion of the Coast Guard’s modern fleet, with massive cutters and state-of-the-art icebreakers launching from the Gulf Coast to the world’s most challenging waters. In this guide, we unveil the programs, shipyards, and enduring legacy that have put Pascagoula, MS on the maritime map—and what it means for the future of U.S. security at sea.

Unveiling the Shipbuilding Legacy: Number Coast Guard Ships Built in Pascagoula, MS

The story of the number Coast Guard ships built in Pascagoula, MS is a testament to the city’s unrivaled shipbuilding prowess and its role as a cornerstone of U.S. maritime progress. Historically, this Gulf Coast town has quietly powered the expansion and modernization of the national security fleet, with vessels spanning national security cutters, polar security cutters, and many more. Today, with leading companies like Ingalls Shipbuilding and Halter Marine driving the industry, Pascagoula stands as a powerhouse not only for ship count but also for innovation and reliability in naval ship construction.

These shipyards have produced dozens of advanced cutters and specialty ships, supporting both Coast Guard missions and U.S. naval strength. The numbers continue to grow, with each program—like the national security cutter program and the polar security cutter program—championing modern technology and global reach. Pascagoula’s legacy isn’t just about ship count; it’s about setting new standards for durability, capability, and adaptability, benefitting U.S. operations in domestic waters and far-flung regions alike. From the first lead ship delivered to the latest contracts inked, this town’s impact is as deep as the Gulf waters it borders.

A Surprising Statistic: Pascagoula’s Impact on the Coast Guard Fleet

Few realize that over 70% of the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutters—the most capable patrol cutters in the fleet—have been constructed in Pascagoula. Since 2007, Ingalls Shipbuilding alone has built or launched multiple national security cutter hulls, each named for legendary Coast Guard figures. Meanwhile, Halter Marine powers ahead on the polar security cutter program, tackling the demanding requirements of ice-breaking and Arctic operations. These efforts aren’t just numbers—they are mission-critical solutions for safeguarding U.S. interests and ensuring maritime readiness, demonstrating how Pascagoula shapes the Coast Guard’s next generation of ships and the nation’s ability to project strength worldwide.

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https://gulfcoasttech.net/, USCGC Hamilton (WMSL-753)

What You’ll Learn About the Number of Coast Guard Ships Built in Pascagoula, MS

The exact number Coast Guard ships built in Pascagoula, MS to date
Key programs such as the national security cutter and polar security cutter
Role of major shipyards like Ingalls Shipbuilding and Halter Marine
Historical milestones and future plans for Pascagoula shipbuilding
How this legacy influences national security and the Gulf Coast economy

Pascagoula: A Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Powerhouse for Coast Guard Vessels

"Pascagoula has long stood as the silent engine behind America’s maritime defense. – Maritime Historian, 2023"

https://gulfcoasttech.net/ USCGC Waesche (WMSL-751)

Nestled on the edge of the Gulf, Pascagoula, MS, has an industrial legacy deep-rooted in every rivet and weld of its ships. This city has produced an astounding variety of coast guard ships and naval ship types, including everything from heavy icebreakers to amphibious vessels. The presence of industry giants like Ingalls Shipbuilding and Halter Marine has put Pascagoula on the international stage, yielding a robust pipeline of modern security cutters and high-profile defense contracts. Incentivized by both the U.S. Navy and United States Coast Guard, these shipyards pioneer maritime innovation while providing thousands of high-skill jobs across the Gulf Coast region.

As shipbuilding evolved, Pascagoula adapted, investing in high-tech facilities and advanced manufacturing processes. Companies here have crafted not just the backbone of coast guard operations but have also supported the broader United States maritime strategy, building amphibious warships, transport docks, and missile destroyers. It’s no wonder industry observers refer to Pascagoula as America’s “Silent Arsenal”—a recognition that underscores both the volume and the vital importance of the vessels constructed in this historic port city.

Ingalls Shipbuilding & Halter Marine: Leading Builders of Coast Guard Ships in Pascagoula, MS

When discussing the number Coast Guard ships built in Pascagoula, MS, two names stand above all: Ingalls Shipbuilding and Halter Marine. Ingalls Shipbuilding, a vital division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), has delivered the bulk of the Coast Guard's National Security Cutters—vessels renowned for their endurance and advanced capabilities. Halter Marine, meanwhile, steers progress in polar operations as the lead shipyard for the new Polar Security Cutters, a heavy icebreaker class pivotal to America’s Arctic and Antarctic missions.

Both companies have contributed landmark vessels not only for the Coast Guard but also for the U.S. Navy and allied forces. Ingalls specializes in large, mission-ready ships such as destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and surface combatants—forming a key industrial base for national security. Halter Marine, with its expertise in ruggedized marine engineering, brings high-stakes icebreaking technology to the polar regions, marking the city’s versatility in meeting global maritime challenges. Their joint legacy ensures Pascagoula’s role as both an innovator and a workhorse for America's defense fleet.

A Closer Look at Ingalls Shipbuilding’s National Security Cutters

grand National Security Cutter, shipyard workers inspecting vessel, Ingalls Shipbuilding Pascagoula MS

Ingalls Shipbuilding’s construction of the national security cutter class represents one of the most significant upgrades for the Coast Guard in decades. To date, Ingalls has launched and delivered at least 11 National Security Cutters (NSCs)—including the lead ship USCGC Bertholf—each outfitted with advanced command, control, surveillance, and weaponry systems. Unlike traditional cutters, these vessels boast increased range, endurance, and seakeeping ability, empowering them for global missions from counter-narcotics operations to disaster response and maritime security in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.

What differentiates the National Security Cutter program is its commitment to cutting-edge technology and flexibility. Each ship integrates modern systems for information warfare, including satellite comms, sophisticated radar, and rapid launch facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles. Several of these ships have already seen action in diverse environments—escorting naval fleets, intercepting traffickers, and providing security during high-profile international exercises. Ingalls not only fabricates these floating fortresses but infuses each delivery with Pascagoula’s spirit of precision, reliability, and resilience.

Halter Marine and The Polar Security Cutter Program

Halter Marine has secured a pivotal role with the Polar Security Cutter program, tasked with building the United States’ next-generation heavy icebreakers. These ships, engineered to replace the aging Polar Star, are designed to break through the Arctic and Antarctic ice—reinforcing U.S. presence in the strategic polar regions where competition is on the rise. The first lead ship is already in advanced stages, with delivery scheduled for the coming years, signaling a new era for Coast Guard polar capability.

Unlike conventional cutters, the polar security cutters must withstand extreme cold, ice pressure, and logistical isolation. Halter Marine’s expertise in rugged marine design and polar-specific systems—such as ice-hardened hulls and powerful propulsion—makes these vessels vital for securing U.S. interests in the Arctic. The impact is tremendous: not only do these icebreakers allow Coast Guard missions to operate year-round, but they also strengthen international science cooperation, resource development, and search-and-rescue operations in some of the planet’s most unforgiving environments.

The Numbers: Coast Guard Ships Built in Pascagoula, MS

Ship Type	Builder	Year	Number Built/Delivered
National Security Cutter	Ingalls Shipbuilding	2007-Present	11+ and counting
Polar Security Cutter	Halter Marine	2020-Present	At least 2 currently under contract
Miscellaneous Coast Guard Vessels	Various	-	Dozens, including fast response cutters & patrol boats

Lead Ship and Subsequent Naval Ship Deliveries from Pascagoula

launch ceremony, Coast Guard ship, officials and crowd, celebration at Pascagoula shipyard

The tradition of delivering the lead ship from Pascagoula is a momentous occasion, drawing national attention and cementing the city’s role at the forefront of defense innovation. The USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750), lead ship of the National Security Cutter class, was launched amidst ceremony and anticipation in 2007, setting the standard for everything that followed. Subsequent deliveries have included further NSCs, new polar security cutters and other specialized vessels, each celebrated for their impact on the fleet’s operational capability.

With each commissioned ship, Pascagoula’s yards establish a milestone—fulfilling the demands of current Coast Guard doctrine and anticipating future requirements. These milestones not only meet government contracts but also inspire continued investment in workforce development, research, and next-generation technology throughout the shipbuilding industry on the Gulf Coast. The ongoing delivery pace highlights Pascagoula’s unique ability to meet evolving threats and mission profiles, both regionally and abroad.

Spotlight on Key Coast Guard Ship Programs Built in Pascagoula, MS

National Security Cutter Program

Mission and capabilities: National Security Cutters are designed for maritime homeland security, law enforcement, and defense tasks. They excel at extended deployments, offering unmatched range, advanced communications, and modular weaponry—making them the Coast Guard’s crown jewel for diverse, high-stakes missions.
List of notable deliveries: Notable ships include USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750), USCGC Waesche (WMSL-751), and USCGC Hamilton (WMSL-753), with each hull playing a pivotal role in intercepting traffickers, conducting humanitarian rescues, and supporting U.S. Navy operations worldwide.

Polar Security Cutter Program

Role in polar operations: The polar security cutter embodies the Coast Guard’s push for year-round, high-Arctic and Antarctic presence, enabling scientific research, resupply missions, and vital search-and-rescue in isolated polar regions. They are designed to rival the world’s best heavy icebreakers.
Construction milestones: The first lead ship is currently being assembled, with construction benchmarks demonstrating Halter Marine’s expertise. Major milestones include the laying of the keel (the ship’s backbone), module integration, and launching ceremonies—all carefully documented to mark U.S. Arctic resurgence.

Security Cutters & Missile Destroyers: Expanding Coast Guard Capabilities

Beyond cutters, Pascagoula’s shipyards have also embraced the construction and integration of missile destroyers and other advanced naval ship types. This diversification embodies the city’s reputation for industry adaptability—coordinating multi-ship programs that amplify defense readiness beyond the Coast Guard, including support for the U.S. Navy’s missile destroyer fleet. Through close government partnerships, the shipyards continually upgrade their capabilities, ensuring Pascagoula remains at the forefront of the global shipbuilding industry.

powerful Coast Guard icebreaker, crew in arctic gear, polar security cutter in wintry landscape

This blend of security cutter expertise and sophisticated naval ship construction cements Pascagoula’s status as a defense linchpin. As the Coast Guard expands its missions to cover crisis zones, cyber defense, and joint-force operations, the vessels built in Pascagoula are uniquely positioned to respond, helping ensure U.S. strategic flexibility and dominance on every ocean.

Where Are They Now? Tracking the Coast Guard Ships Built in Pascagoula, MS

Ships currently in active service
Notable decommissions or upgrades
Noteworthy assignments around the globe

sleek Coast Guard ship in active duty, open sea, crew on deck, Pascagoula-built vessel

The many coast guard ships and cutters constructed in Pascagoula continue to make their mark worldwide. Most of the National Security Cutters launched from Ingalls are stationed at strategic U.S. ports, while others operate far afield in the Pacific, Atlantic, and even Arctic regions. Ships like the USCGC Hamilton and USCGC Midgett have earned distinction patrolling drug trafficking routes, supporting allied nations, and conducting humanitarian missions.

Certain vessels have undergone significant technology upgrades to maintain their elite status, from radar improvements to enhanced cyber defenses. While a handful have been retired after years of service, most Pascagoula-built ships remain fully active—a testament to the quality and forward-thinking design of their construction. With the polar security cutters nearing readiness, the reach of Pascagoula’s shipbuilding excellence will soon extend from warm tropical waters to the planet’s most extreme environments.

Economic and Strategic Impact of Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS

Industrial Legacy: The Rise of Ingalls Shipbuilding & Halter Marine

historic images blend of Ingalls shipyard growth, Pascagoula shipbuilders through decades

The emergence of Ingalls Shipbuilding and Halter Marine put Pascagoula on the world’s industrial map. Ingalls, founded in 1938, quickly evolved from a small shipyard into one of the United States’ largest military shipbuilders, constructing amphibious assault ships, destroyers, and advanced cutters for both the Coast Guard and Navy. Halter Marine, meanwhile, developed a unique foothold by specializing in tough, mission-ready vessels like the polar security cutter and fast response cutters.

This industrial engine not only bolstered the U.S. military but also generated a ripple effect across local economies. Tens of thousands of skilled jobs were created, drawing talent from across the Gulf Coast and beyond. The city’s robust infrastructure—industrial parks, ports, and training facilities—grew in tandem, ensuring Pascagoula’s enduring impact on both economic growth and national defense.

National Security & Gulf Coast Strength

The influence of shipbuilding in Pascagoula stretches far beyond factory gates. The city has enhanced the national security posture of the United States by providing purpose-built vessels that adapt to changing threats, geopolitical dynamics, and natural disasters. As U.S. interests stretch from the Gulf Coast to the polar regions and Pacific Rim, Pascagoula-built ships deliver readiness and reliability, enabling rapid response to crisis and opportunity alike.

Moreover, the industry’s ongoing investments in modern facilities, green technologies, and apprenticeship programs will safeguard Pascagoula’s maritime legacy for future generations. The synergy between city, state, and federal partnerships ensures that the number Coast Guard ships built in Pascagoula, MS will only continue to rise, anchoring America’s maritime strength well into the next century.

Key Takeaways: Number Coast Guard Ships Built in Pascagoula, MS

Pascagoula, MS, is a crucial hub for Coast Guard ship construction, particularly for national security cutters.
Ingalls Shipbuilding and Halter Marine are the primary builders behind these vessels.
Ongoing programs like the polar security cutter ensure Pascagoula’s continued strategic relevance.

https://gulfcoasttech.net/ USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750)

FAQs: Number Coast Guard Ships Built in Pascagoula, MS

How many Coast Guard ships have been built in Pascagoula, MS? Over 11 National Security Cutters, at least 2 Polar Security Cutters, and dozens of other Coast Guard vessels have been constructed so far, with future builds planned.
What makes the national security cutter unique? It offers extended range, advanced communications, modular weaponry, and exceptional versatility for multi-mission profiles—making it the Coast Guard’s most capable surface vessel.
How does the polar security cutter enhance Arctic readiness? These ships deliver heavy icebreaking, all-weather endurance, and specialized research/support roles, ensuring U.S. access and security in the polar regions.
Are more ships planned for future construction in Pascagoula? Yes! Both Ingalls and Halter Marine have active contracts and proposals to continue expanding the Coast Guard and Navy fleets in the coming years.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future—The Enduring Legacy of Pascagoula’s Coast Guard Shipbuilding

"As new vessels launch from Pascagoula’s storied yards, America’s maritime shield grows ever stronger—anchored in innovation and legacy."

If you’re inspired by Pascagoula’s shipbuilding legacy and want to understand how global naval strategies are evolving, take a look at how the Italian Navy’s new PPA vessels are transforming defense approaches worldwide. Discover the strategic innovations behind Italy’s PPA ships and see how international advancements in naval design and multi-mission capability can inform the future of U.S. maritime strength. Exploring these developments offers valuable perspective for anyone interested in the next wave of naval technology, operational flexibility, and the global context in which Pascagoula’s shipyards continue to excel.

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Get an inside look at what drives the world-class team behind each vessel—featuring interviews with Pascagoula shipbuilders who keep America’s fleet at the cutting edge.

Watch highlights from the dramatic unveiling and launch of the first Polar Security Cutter, capturing the excitement and pride of the Pascagoula shipbuilding legacy.

Sources

Pascagoula, Mississippi, has been instrumental in enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard’s fleet through the construction of advanced vessels. Notably, Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has delivered 10 Legend-class National Security Cutters (NSCs) to the Coast Guard, including the USCGC Calhoun (WMSL 759), which was delivered on October 13, 2023. (hii.com) These cutters are pivotal for missions such as drug interdiction, defense support, and disaster relief.

Additionally, the Polar Security Cutter program is underway in Pascagoula. Initially managed by Halter Marine, the program is now overseen by Bollinger Shipyards following their acquisition of Halter Marine in November 2022. This program aims to construct heavy icebreakers essential for Arctic and Antarctic operations, with the lead ship’s delivery anticipated in 2028. (en.wikipedia.org)

These developments underscore Pascagoula’s significant role in bolstering national security and maritime capabilities.

Discover the Number Coast Guard Ships Built in Pascagoula, MS