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Providing coverage of Alaska and northern Canada's oil and gas industry
November 2012

Vol. 17, No. 46 Week of November 11, 2012

USCG winds down its 2012 Arctic Shield

The U.S. Coast Guard has completed its Arctic Shield 2012 program, the Coast Guard announced on Nov.1.

The program, designed to ensure a Coast Guard presence in the Arctic during the summer open water season, involved the deployment into the Arctic of the cutter Bertholf; two 225-foot sea-going buoy tenders; a 283-foot medium-endurance cutter; and a 378-foot high-endurance cutter. Two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters, with air, ground and communications crews, provided air support.

“For the first time, we had Coast Guard crews standing the watch and ready to support search and rescue, environmental protection and law enforcement operations in the Arctic,” said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, Coast Guard 17th District. “Our Arctic Shield crews were directly responsible for saving or assisting 10 people and supporting partner agencies in conducting numerous operational missions.”

During the summer the Coast Guard conducted training exercises with the U.S. Northern Command, Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, and with other government agencies to develop expertise in the Arctic deployment of oil skimmers. Skimming systems tested included the Coast Guard’s Spilled Oil Recovery System; a U.S. Navy fast-sweep boom system; and a “pocket skimmer,” designed for use in ice-covered waters. The Coast Guard also tested the use of an amphibious craft.

The Coast Guard is conducting an assessment of Arctic vessel traffic density, to assess the need for safety improvements and the need for additional navigation aids. This assessment also involves working with government agencies on a study for the implementation of routing measures for ships transiting the Bering Strait.

Starting in February, the Coast Guard also conducted a community outreach program, visiting 33 Arctic communities and 27 village schools, to provide training in safety issues such as water and boating safety. The Coast Guard also provided medical, dental and veterinary assistance for some communities.

—Alan Bailey






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