Editing Marine Protector-class patrol boat (section)

== General characteristics ==
[[File:USCGC Cochito launching small boat.jpg|thumb|{{USCGC|Cochito|WPB-87329|6}} launching a small boat from the stern ramp]]
Missions include combating drug smuggling, illegal immigration, marine fisheries enforcement and [[search and rescue]] support. Since the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], many have had a [[homeland security]] mission in the form of ports, waterways and coastal security (PWCS) patrols.<ref name=cg532 />

Boarding parties can be launched while the vessel is underway through the cutter's [[stern launching ramp]].<ref name=FlynnSmallCutters /> The attached rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) has been upgraded in an effort to increase speed and sea state sustainability for boarding parties and rescue and assistance teams. The stern launching system requires only a single crew member to remain on deck to launch or retrieve the boarding party.

The vessels consume approximately 165 gallons of diesel per hour at their maximum speed of {{convert|26|kn|lk=in}}.

Like all new U.S. Coast Guard vessels, the Marine Protector class is designed to accommodate crews of mixed gender with five separate small berthing spaces accommodating standard crews of ten with maximum berthing for 12.<ref name=FlynnSmallCutters />

{{USCGC|Sea Devil|WPB-87368|2}} and {{USCGC|Sea Fox|WPB-87374|2}} are assigned to guard a [[United States Navy]] submarine base in [[Kings Bay, Georgia]], replacing the decommissioned {{USCGC|Sea Dragon|WPB-87367|2}} and {{USCGC|Sea Dog|WPB-87373|2}} at that station.<ref name=SeaDog-SeaDragon-Decom/>  {{USCGC|Sea Devil|WPB-87368|2}} and {{USCGC|Sea Fox|WPB-87374|2}} earlier guarded another submarine base in [[Bangor, Washington]]. An additional machine gun operated by remote control was added to all four for this duty.<ref name=FlynnSmallCutters />