Coast Guard launches Arctic Shield 2017
The U.S. Coast Guard has kicked off its Arctic Shield 2017 operations, the agency announced July 1. Arctic Shield, which began in 2009, involves deploying assets and personnel in the Arctic region during the open water season in response to increased maritime activity in the region in recent years.
In addition to performing the Coast Guard roles of offshore search and rescue, law enforcement, the provision of navigation aids and ensuring shipping safety and security, the Arctic Shield activities include engaging with local communities: Arctic Shield objectives include broadening partnerships with local, state, tribal and federal agencies; increasing maritime domain awareness; and improving accident preparedness, prevention and response capabilities, the Coast Guard said.
“Forward deploying assets and personnel enhances our ability to conduct Coast Guard missions in the Arctic,” said Rear Adm. Michael McAllister, commander, Coast Guard 17th District. “The assets and people come from Coast Guard units throughout the United States to protect the Arctic environment, marine transportation system and all those who depend on it.”
This year’s operations will involve the deployment of cutters, aircraft and personnel to engage in a variety of Coast Guard missions at locations ranging from Dutch Harbor through the Bering Strait and on the Arctic outer continental shelf, including offshore the North Slope. A forward operating location at Kotzebue will enable the staging of flight crews from the Coast Guard base on Kodiak, to save time when responding to Arctic incidents.
The Coast Guard also commented that 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the agency’s first presence in Alaska - apparently in August 1867 the Revenue Cutter Lincoln transported the first U.S. federal officials to Sitka following the transfer of the Alaska territory from Russia.
- ALAN BAILEY
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