Casco Class Cutter - Classification

Classification

Under the alphanumeric hull classification system in use at the time, Coast Guard cutters transferred from the Navy retained their Navy classification, with a "W" added to the beginning of the classification to indicate their Coast Guard subordination. The former seaplane tenders and the former catapult training ship thus all received the classification "WAVP"; the two former motor torpedo boat tenders (AGPs), which reverted to their original "AVP" designation before transfer to the Coast Guard, also entered Coast Guard service as WAVPs. The only exception was Dexter, which initially was designated WAGC-18, but soon received a WAVP designation like the others.

In 1965, Rockaway, uniquely among the Cascos, was reclassified as an "oceanographic" ship, WAGO-377.

In 1966 the Coast Guard reclassified all of the Cascos—including Rockaway—as high endurance cutters and changed their classification to "WHEC". The ships retained the same hull numbers they had had as WAVPs.

Some Cascos later underwent additional classification changes as their roles changed in their final years in service. Unimak was a training ship (WTR-379) from 1969 to 1975 before reverting to her WHEC classification, Gresham became a "meteorological cutter" (WAGW-387) in 1970, and Rockaway became an "offshore law enforcement vessel" (WOLE-377) in 1971.