USS Cyclone (PC-1)

History of the USS Cyclone (PC-1)

The USS Cyclone (PC-1) was developed as a coastal patrol vessel to support general offshore work and to support special forces missions. While commissioned in August 1993 and completing a promising design with broad capabilities, the ship was too large for true special operations and too small for true "deep water" naval service . This led to her retirement and transfer to the U.S.

Coast Guard (2000-2004) as early as February 2000, and then to the Philippine Navy (since 2004) to counter terrorism.

Cyclone has good airspeed, maneuverability, and firepower that appears to be unmatched by this class of ships when it comes online. As the lead ship of the Cyclone class, she was used as an important test bed before the introduction of other classes.

Installed power is 4 x Paxman marine diesel engines driving 4 x axles under the stern with 14,400 hp and a top speed of 35 knots. Her typical crew size is 36, consisting mainly of enlisted personnel (24), four officers and up to eight special forces.

The sensor capabilities revolved around the then powerful Sperry "Vision" 2100M integrated combat and navigation system. Weapons include 1 x Mk 96 gun, 1 x Mk 38 25mm Bushmaster chain gun, multiple 40mm Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGL) and a 12.7mm Machine Gun (HMG) mounted on a pivot mount.

At least six FIM-92 Stinger portable shoulder-fired short-range surface-to-air missile systems are packed and ready for deployment.

The outline of the USS Cyclone is dominated by the forward superstructure, with two other structures visible amidships and stern. A series of catwalks connect the three main operating areas.

The main gun system is mounted in the bow position ("A" position) and the communication/sensor mast is mounted on the main structure. The rear contains special rubber assault troops as required.

The aircraft carrier USS Cyclone was ordered on 1 August 1990 and launched on 22 June 1991. She was launched on February 1, 1992, and officially commissioned on August 7, 1993.

She is currently (2016) serving as BRP Mariano Alvarez (PS-38) in the Philippine Navy.

Specifications USS Cyclone (PC-1)

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