The USS Sirocco (PC-6) is a Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship built for one purpose above all else: to operate fast, close, and with precision where bigger ships simply can’t. She was designed during a time when the U.S. Navy recognized the growing importance of shallow, crowded waters and the need for agile ships that could respond quickly to emerging threats. Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana—well known for building rugged, high-performance patrol vessels—constructed the Sirocco as part of that vision. Her keel was laid on June 20, 1992, and she was launched on May 29, 1993, marking the arrival of a ship built for speed, flexibility, and real-world coastal operations.
The ship’s name, “Sirocco,” comes from a powerful Mediterranean wind that forms in the Sahara and sweeps northward into Southern Europe. It’s a fitting name. Fast. Relentless. Hard to predict. That same character defines the ship herself. The USS Sirocco was meant to move quickly, react decisively, and maintain a strong presence in tense maritime environments where hesitation isn’t an option. At roughly 179 feet long with a 25-foot beam, the USS Sirocco is compact by Navy standards, but that size is a strength. Her shallow draft and narrow profile allow her to operate close to shore, in busy sea lanes, and through tight chokepoints. The ship’s steel hull provides durability, while the aluminum superstructure keeps weight down and speed up. Everything about her design reflects one priority: agility.
Despite her size, the USS Sirocco carries the equipment needed to stay effective and aware in demanding conditions. Modern navigation and communication systems support close-in operations, while her armament—centered on crew-served weapons like machine guns and automatic grenade launchers—gives her the ability to counter small, fast-moving threats. She’s not built for brute-force engagements. She’s built for control, presence, and rapid response. Over the years, the USS Sirocco has proven exactly why ships like her matter. Since commissioning, she has supported maritime security operations, coastal patrols, and interdiction missions, particularly in the Persian Gulf. She has operated alongside allied and partner navies, strengthening cooperation and interoperability in regions where stability depends on constant vigilance. Her service highlights the quiet but critical role patrol coastal ships play in protecting vital shipping routes and enforcing maritime security.
The USS Sirocco is part of the Cyclone-class patrol coastal ships, a group designed specifically for near-shore missions. Developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the class filled a crucial gap in the Navy’s fleet by providing fast, maneuverable platforms capable of operating where larger vessels are limited. These ships conduct coastal patrols, escort operations, and maritime security missions, making them indispensable in modern naval operations. The USS Sirocco was commissioned on June 11, 1994, at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Virginia. That moment marked the beginning of her active service life and her role as a forward-deployed asset in some of the world’s most strategically important waters. From day one, she embodied the Navy’s need for speed, adaptability, and constant presence.
USS Sirocco PC-6: A Deep Dive into the Structure, Technology, and Firepower of a Modern Naval Sentinel
The USS Sirocco (PC-6) was designed from the keel up for agility and speed in near-shore environments. At 179 feet long with a 25-foot beam, she provides a compact but capable platform that excels in littoral operations. Her steel hull offers strength and survivability, while the aluminum superstructure helps reduce weight and improve overall performance. This balance allows the ship to remain durable without sacrificing speed or maneuverability.
From a technology standpoint, the USS Sirocco is outfitted with systems that support situational awareness and rapid decision-making. She carries surface-search radar systems suited for coastal operations and modern communications equipment that allows her to coordinate seamlessly with other naval and coalition forces. These systems are optimized for tracking surface contacts in busy maritime environments where reaction time matters. Armament aboard the USS Sirocco reflects her mission profile. The ship is equipped with the Mk 38 25mm chain gun, along with multiple .50-caliber M2 machine guns and Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launchers. These weapons are positioned to provide wide coverage and fast engagement against small, maneuverable threats.
Rather than relying on heavy weapons, the Sirocco focuses on control, precision, and layered defense. This straightforward but effective weapons suite allows the crew to respond quickly to a range of scenarios, from routine patrols to high-risk interdiction missions. Combined with her speed and handling, the USS Sirocco remains a capable and respected platform within the U.S. Navy’s patrol forces.
USS Sirocco PC-6 Crew Member Reports of Time Aboard
The USS Sirocco (PC-6) holds a special place in the memories of those who served aboard her. Former crew members consistently describe a ship defined by teamwork, high standards, and experiences that simply don’t happen on larger vessels. Encounters like tight patrol schedules, long watches, and demanding missions forged close bonds among the crew. Sailors often recall the pride that came with serving on a small ship where everyone mattered and every role counted. Stories shared by former crew members reflect humor, challenge, and a strong sense of belonging that stayed with them long after leaving the ship. These personal accounts help bring the USS Sirocco’s history to life. They remind us that beyond specifications and deployments, a ship’s true legacy is written by the people who served aboard her.
USS Sirocco PC-6: Evolution of a Maritime Sentinel
Since entering service, the USS Sirocco has remained focused on the missions she was designed to perform. Over time, upgrades to navigation, communications, and shipboard systems have helped keep her effective in evolving maritime environments. These improvements support better situational awareness and coordination during patrol and security operations. The USS Sirocco’s mission set centers on maritime security, coastal patrol, and interdiction. Her speed allows her to respond rapidly, while her shallow draft enables operations close to shore. These qualities make her particularly valuable in regions where small threats can emerge quickly and unpredictably. Through deployments—especially in the Persian Gulf—the USS Sirocco has contributed to maintaining maritime stability and protecting critical shipping lanes. Her consistent presence and readiness reflect the enduring importance of patrol coastal ships within the U.S. Navy’s overall force structure.
USS Sirocco PC-6: Guardian of the Seas and Silent Sentinel of Conflict
USS Sirocco (PC-6) has supported maritime security operations across multiple deployments, particularly in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Her missions have focused on patrol, escort, and interdiction tasks critical to maintaining freedom of navigation and regional stability. During the Global War on Terrorism era, ships of the Cyclone class—including USS Sirocco—supported broader naval operations through persistent presence and maritime security missions. Their ability to operate close to shore and respond rapidly made them well-suited for these demanding environments. The ship and her crew have earned recognition for professionalism and readiness throughout her service life. These honors reflect consistent performance, strong leadership, and the dedication of the sailors who served aboard her. Together, they form the foundation of USS Sirocco’s lasting legacy.
USS Sirocco PC-6 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Cyclone Class Coastal Patrol Ship |
| Commissioned | June 11, 1994 |
| Displacement | 372 tons |
| Length | 179 feet |
| Beam | 25 feet |
| Draft | 8 feet |
| Speed | 35 knots |
| Complement | 36 |