Polar icebreaker Storis commissioned, strengthening Arctic role
\n \t
\n
<\/BR>
\n
\n \t
\n
<\/BR><\/p>\n
The U.S. Coast Guard officially commissioned the USCGC Storis<\/em> (WAGB 21) in Juneau, Alaska. The commissioning of this polar icebreaker marks a crucial step in President Donald Trump\u2019s directive to rebuild the Coast Guard, which will include historic investments through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.<\/p>\n This vessel is the Coast Guard\u2019s first polar icebreaker acquired in over 25 years. As a medium polar icebreaker, Storis<\/em> expands the U.S. operational presence in the Arctic and will support Coast Guard missions while awaiting the delivery of the new Polar Security Cutter class.<\/p>\n \u201cThe commissioning of Storis<\/em> marks a new beginning for the U.S. Coast Guard,\u201d said Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Troy Edgar. \u201cPresident Trump\u2019s One Big Beautiful Bill has recapitalized USCG with $25 billion\u2014the largest single investment in the Coast Guard. The new investment will lead to a Coast Guard that is better equipped to protect our national interests, support our maritime communities and stand alongside our allies.\u201d<\/p>\n Storis<\/em> will enhance the nation\u2019s maritime capabilities in the Arctic, continuing the Service\u2019s modernization through Force Design 2028, an initiative introduced by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force.<\/p>\n \u201cUSCGC Storis<\/em> is a major win for the American people,\u201d said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard. \u201cThe commissioning of USCGC Storis<\/em> immediately strengthens our ability to control, secure\u00a0and defend the U.S. border around Alaska and maritime approaches in the Arctic. Storis<\/em> is the first step of a historic investment in the Coast Guard to add critical capacity to our polar icebreaker fleet to protect U.S. sovereignty and counter malign influence throughout the Arctic.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The Storis<\/em>, formerly the M\/V Aiviq<\/em>, was acquired on December 20, 2024, and subsequently renamed after modifications to enhance its communication and defense capabilities. Storis<\/em> is manned by a hybrid crew of military cuttermen and civilian mariners. It will be temporarily berthed in Seattle, Wash., alongside the service\u2019s two other polar icebreakers, until necessary infrastructure improvements are completed in Juneau. This marks the second vessel in Coast Guard history to bear the name Storis<\/em>, with the original \u201cGalloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast\u201d having served 64 years of icebreaking operations in the Arctic.<\/p>\n The Coast Guard operates the nation\u2019s fleet of icebreakers to assure access to and protect U.S. sovereign interests in the polar regions. <\/em>As the nation\u2019s third polar icebreaker, Storis<\/em> was acquired to bolster these operations, providing near-term operational presence and supporting national security in the Arctic as a bridging strategy for Arctic surface presence. Additional Coast Guard icebreakers will be acquired through investments in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act\u2014the largest single funding commitment in Coast Guard history\u2014including:<\/p>\n The post Polar icebreaker Storis commissioned, strengthening Arctic role<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n