Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star deployed to Arctic

Coast Guard officials said the crew of the Cutter Polar Star recently embarked upon a months-long Arctic deployment to protect the nation’s maritime sovereignty and security throughout the region.

“Polar Star is poised to head into the cold, dark Arctic winter to carry out a historic mission,” Capt. Bill Woitrya, the cutter’s commanding officer, said. “The ship is ready and the crew is enthusiastic to embark on this adventure. We will defend U.S. interests in the region and continue to hone our proficiency to operate in such a harsh, remote environment.”

The 44-year-old heavy icebreaker would support national security objectives throughout Alaskan waters and into the Arctic, including along the Maritime Boundary Line between the United States and Russia, in addition to detecting and deterring illegal fishing by foreign vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone and conducting Arctic training essential for developing future icebreaker operators.

The Coast Guard released the Arctic Strategic Outlook in April 2019, reaffirming the service branch’s commitment to leadership in the region through partnership, unity of effort, and continuous innovation.

“The Arctic is no longer an emerging frontier, but is instead a region of growing national importance,” Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area, said. “The Coast Guard is committed to protecting sovereignty and working with our partners to uphold a safe, secure, and rules-based Arctic.”