On 25 July 2020, the USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) departed from Dutch Harbor, Alaska and headed to its science missions and Operation Arctic Shield, the service's annual comprehensive assessment and respons in the high latitudes.The Healy is considered the largest and most technologically advanced cutter in the Coast Guard.It is in the vanguard of the Coast Guard surge to the Arctic in summer and autumn,in spite of,yet aware of COVID-19.
Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander VADM Linda L. Fagan assured the Wilson Center think tank:
Our Arctic Strategy is unchanged.The pandemic has not changed our priority, our intention to uphold American sovereignty, advance our national security interests and promote economic prosperity throughout the Arctic.Everyone is postured and remains operationally ready to conduct operations and meet our mission requirements in the high latitudes.
We are mindful of the many communities in and around Alaska and are taking all precautions to be sure we don't inadvertently help to spread the pandemic.*
The Arctic Shield operation will enhance maritime domain awareness; strengthen partnerships; and build preparedness, prevention and response capabilities across the Arctic domain.As the nation's lead federal agency for ensuring maritime safety and security in the Arctic, the Coast Guard protects the nation's interests, safeguards the environment and strengthens our international, federal, state,local and tribal partnerships.*
In Arctic Shield, the Coast Guard
typically deploys a number of cutters, aircraft and personnel to the Arctic with the objectives of Improving Awareness, Broadening Partnerships and Modernizing Governance.*
In future,a major role will be played by the new Polar Security Cutters.The PSCs will enable the US to maintain defence readiness in the Arctic and Antarctic r
Regions; enforce treaties and other laws needed to safeguard both industry and the environment; provide port, waterways and coastal security.
The PSC programme is being managed by an Integrated (US Coast Guard/US Navy) Program Office.On 23 April 2019 the IPO awarded a contract to VT Halter Marine of Pascagoula, Mississippi for the design and construction of the lead PSC, with an option for two more.*
The PSC will conduct national missions; respond to critical events; and project presence in the polar regions.Said Coast Guard Commandant ADM Karl L. Schultz:
Against the backdrop of great power competition, the PSC is key to our nation's presence in the polar regions.*
Construction of the first of the powerful ships will begin in 2021, with delivery slated for 2024.A total of six PSCs are to be built.*
In 2017, the US and Canadian Governments jointly tested models of such heavy icebreakers.*
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