Aug 25, 02:19 PM

US Coast Guard Deploys Two Polar Icebreakers to Arctic for First Time Since 2013

The United States Coast Guard has dispatched two polar icebreakers to the American Arctic simultaneously for the first time in more than a decade, underscoring Washington’s effort to regain operational presence in the increasingly strategic region. The medium endurance cutter Alex Haley briefly joined the icebreakers north of the Aleutian Islands before the ships separated to continue individual missions. Automatic identification system data show the veteran research vessel USCGC Healy and the newly commissioned USCGC Storis met about 100 nautical miles northeast of Unalaska on 24 August. Healy has since resumed its annual Arctic science cruise, while Storis is scheduled to arrive in Dutch Harbor by 27 August to prepare for further patrols. Storis was acquired less than nine months ago and fast-tracked into service—two years ahead of the Coast Guard’s earlier 2026 readiness estimate—to provide what the service calls a “bridging” capability until new Polar Security Cutters arrive. The first of those next-generation ships is at least five years from delivery. Analysts say the dual-ship deployment highlights both heightened geopolitical competition in the Arctic and the United States’ limited icebreaking fleet after decades of underinvestment. Coast Guard officials argue the early commissioning of Storis will help sustain year-round maritime domain awareness and support national strategic interests amid a rapid uptick in commercial and military activity across polar waters.

#United States Coast Guard #American Arctic #Washington #Alex Haley #Aleutian Islands #USCGC Healy #USCGC Storis #Unalaska #Healy #Arctic #Storis #Dutch Harbor #Coast Guard #Polar Security Cutters #United States

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