The US Coast Guard kicked off Arctic Shield 2017 operations throughout Arctic waters, on July 1st, with the opening of a forward operating location in Kotzebue.
As part of operation Arctic Shield 2017, the USCG will deploy cutters, aircraft and personnel to engage in operations encompassing a variety of missions from Dutch Harbor through the Bering Strait and along the North Slope including the Northern Alaska Outer Continental Shelf.
The FOL in Kotzebue is expected to enhance the Coast Guard’s operability by allowing pre-staged flight crews from Air Station Kodiak to save critical time and resources when responding to missions in the Arctic region.
“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”, said Rear Adm. Michael McAllister, commander, Coast Guard 17th District.
Arctic Shield 2017 will include Arctic deployments by the crews of the Coast Guard Cutters, as well as Coast Guard participation in Operation Arctic Guardian, a multi-agency pollution response exercise to take place in Utqiaġvik.
Seasonal Arctic Shield operations began in 2009 to support Coast Guard missions in response to increased maritime activity in the Arctic. Arctic Shield operations and activities include conducting statutory Coast Guard missions such as search and rescue, law enforcement, aids to navigation and ensuring the safety and security of shipping in the region. Other Artic Shield objectives include broadening partnerships with local, state, tribal and federal agencies, increasing maritime domain awareness, and improving preparedness, prevention and response capabilities in the region.
