Coast Guard Arctic Shield ends for year

The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded its Arctic Shield 2016 operation, the agency said Oct. 31. This operation, carried out annually in recognition of heightened maritime activity in the Arctic, particularly focuses on the summer open water season in the Alaska Arctic, to conduct Arctic missions, leverage partnerships and ensure safe and environmentally responsible operations.

During this year’s operation Coast Guard aircrews were deployed from Kodiak to a forward operating location at Kotzebue. The crews responded to 22 cases, saving six lives and assisting five other people. The rescue cases involved missing hikers, alerts from offshore emergency beacons, assistance to Alaska state troopers, people in the water, mayday calls and overdue boaters, the Coast Guard said.

Farther south, another forward operating location at Cold Bay enabled reduced response times for emergencies in Bristol Bay, the Bering Sea and around the Aleutian Islands during the peak fishing season.

“Having crews deploy across Alaska allows us to more efficiently help distressed mariners during busy summer months and peak fishing seasons,” said Lt. Craig Hermiller, Air Station Kodiak public affairs officer.

Also as part of this year’s Arctic Shield operation, the Coast Guard Cutters Healy, Alex Haley, Stratton and SPAR deployed to the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas for maritime domain awareness; search and rescue; community relations; and scientific research support. Coast Guard personnel also participated in the Arctic Chinook Mass Rescue Operation exercise, an international multi-agency rescue and response drill and field program that included oil spill response exercises.

“Each year we learn more about how to successfully carry out Coast Guard missions in Arctic waters,” said Rear Adm. Michael McAllister, 17th District commander. “A significant part of that learning comes from active engagement with communities to advance our shared interests in maritime safety and security in this increasingly dynamic and busy region.”

- ALAN BAILEY