US senators raise Russian concerns over unprepared Coast Guard fleet
Polar Star heavy icebreaker was commissioned in 1976 and has been in service for nearly five decades. (Photo: US Coast Guard)
US Congress senators have warned that the US Coast Guard’s fleet cannot protect Arctic waters against Russian naval capabilities.
US lawmakers have expressed concern regarding the US Coast Guard’s (USCG) small and ageing polar inventory and how it could impact the protection of the US Arctic territorial waters. Senators have raised the alarm on the branch’s naval capabilities arguing that it would not succeed against the Kremlin’s fleet.
The service currently operates two icebreakers – Polar Star and Healy – the only branch vessels capable of operating in extreme cold temperatures. Serving predominantly the McMurdo Station in Antarctica, the Polar Star heavy icebreaker was commissioned in 1976 and has remained in operation far beyond its expected service life.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines]()
UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
-
![Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence]()
Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence
The organisations have broadened the remit of an existing MoU to help boost underwater defence innovation.
-
![Navigating change: How market trends are shaping the future of naval defence (analysis)]()
Navigating change: How market trends are shaping the future of naval defence (analysis)
As defence markets shift to meet new demands, the naval sector has found itself at the centre of a transformative wave, driven by geopolitical shifts, the need for rapid technological advancement, and a redefined approach to maritime power projection.
-
![Fincantieri signs R&D and training agreement with Pakistan Navy]()
Fincantieri signs R&D and training agreement with Pakistan Navy
A Memorandum of Understanding signed during an event in Karachi between the Italian shipbuilder and the Pakistan Navy covered naval training, research and development, and project-based collaboration.
