US Coast Guard's Legend class cutter Stratton crosses Taiwan Strait despite Blinken's visits to China.

According to information published by the US DoD on June 23, 2023, the Legend-class cutter USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) carried out a standard passage through the Taiwan Strait, despite the visit of the United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in China.
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US Coast Guard's Legend-class cutter Stratton. (Picture source: US DoD)

The Taiwan Strait, extending over a distance of approximately 180 kilometers (110 mi; 97 nmi), is a significant geographical feature that lies between the island of Taiwan and the Asian mainland.

Serving as an integral component of the South China Sea, it provides a crucial connection to the East China Sea in the north. At its narrowest point, the strait measures about 130 km (81 mi; 70 nmi) across.

Yet, the strait's political characterization is a source of international discord. The People's Republic of China (PRC) adamantly claims comprehensive sovereignty, jurisdiction, and sovereign rights over the Taiwan Strait.

As per this view, the strait is regarded as an extension of China's internal territorial waters rather than a part of international waters. This perspective implies that any foreign vessel's right to navigate freely across the strait is contingent on approval from the Chinese government.

However, this position has been met with staunch opposition from several countries. The United States, Australia, France, and Taiwan have all expressed significant objections to this stance, highlighting the contentious nature of the Taiwan Strait's political and international status.

About the Cutter

The USCGC Stratton is a formidable United States Coast Guard Cutter that showcases impressive specifications and capabilities. With a displacement of 4,500 long tons and a length of 418 feet, it is a substantial vessel designed for various missions. Its beam stretches to 54 feet, and it has a draft of 22.5 feet, allowing it to navigate different water depths.

Powered by three Caterpillar 3512B diesel generators, the Stratton utilizes a combined diesel and gas propulsion system. It boasts two MTU 20V 1163 diesel engines with a combined output of 7,400 kW and a mighty 22 MW LM2500 gas turbine engine, enabling it to achieve speeds exceeding 28 knots. This impressive speed, reaching approximately 52 km/h or 32 mph, allows the vessel to respond swiftly to emergencies and cover significant distances.

The USCGC Stratton has a remarkable range of 12,000 nautical miles, equivalent to approximately 22,000 kilometers or 14,000 miles. This extensive range, combined with an endurance of 60 days, enhances its capability for long-duration missions and extended operations at sea.

Crewed by a complement of 113 personnel, including 14 officers and 99 enlisted members, the Stratton can accommodate additional personnel, accommodating up to 148 individuals, as per mission requirements. This flexibility ensures that the vessel can effectively adapt to various operational scenarios.

Equipped with advanced sensors and processing systems, the Stratton is outfitted with a range of radar systems, including the EADS 3D TRS-16 AN/SPS-75 Air Search Radar, SPQ-9B Fire Control Radar, and AN/SPS-79 Surface Search Radar.

It also features the AN/SLQ-32B(V)2 Electronic Warfare System for electronic defense and the AN/UPX-29A IFF system for identification purposes. Moreover, the vessel incorporates the MK 46 Mod 1 Optical Sighting System and Furuno X and S-band radars.

These cutting-edge systems are complemented by components of the Lockheed Martin COMBATSS-21 combat management system, enabling comprehensive situational awareness and effective command and control capabilities.

In terms of armament, the USCGC Stratton is armed with a MK 110 57 mm gun, a variant of the Bofors 57 mm gun, accompanied by a Gunfire Control System. Additionally, it features a 20 mm Block 1B Baseline 2 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System for close-range defense.

The vessel also carries four crew-served .50-caliber Browning M2 machine guns and two crew-served M240B 7.62 mm machine guns. Notably, it has provisions for additional weapons and sensors, indicating its adaptability to evolving mission requirements.

The USCGC Stratton's capabilities extend beyond the surface, as it supports aerial operations. It is equipped with a flight deck measuring 50 by 80 feet, allowing it to accommodate and operate a MH-65C Dolphin MCH helicopter.

Furthermore, it possesses a hangar capable of housing all aircraft on board. The vessel also has provisions for two small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), enhancing its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.