The US Navy’s Cyclone Class patrol coastal (PC) vessels have ceased operations in the Persian Gulf due to significant structural damage.

The five ships in the 5th Fleet area of operations (PCs 5, 6, 9, 10, 11) were inspected and found with damage to the hull, frame buckling and corrosion.

The navy has decided to permanently repair and restore the vessels to designed capability in the coming months.

The primary missions of the ships include coastal patrol, interdiction and surveillance, and maritime security missions to help protect the nation’s coastline, ports and waterways from terrorist attack.

The PCs are designed with a lightweight structure for high performance and have a service life of 15 years.