For 112 days, the icebreaker Storis(WAGB 21), the U.S . Coast Guard‘s newest vessel, sailed from Mississippi to the Arctic to complete its first maritime security mission.
Icebreaker Storis and its arctic patrol mission
In early September, the Storis sailed through frozen waters, relieving the icebreaker Healy and monitoring Chinese research vessels operating in the region. It is also tasked with being part of Operation Border Sentinel, an initiative aimed at securing U.S. maritime sovereignty in the face of increased foreign activities in the Arctic.
This deployment enables the strengthening of the U.S. surface presence in an area of increasing international competition. Collaboration with Northern Command and Alaska Command enhances continued surveillance of foreign traffic near U.S. waters.
Since commencing service in Juneau on Aug. 10, the Storis is the first icebreaker acquired by the Coast Guard in more than two decades. It was classified as a medium polar icebreaker, a vessel that expands U.S. operational response capability in hard-to-reach regions, and adds to the nation’s limited but crucial active polar fleet.
During its inaugural deployment, the crew conducted helicopter exercises, weapons testing and community integration activities at six ports of call, welcoming more than 1,500 visitors on board.
The Storis arrived in Seattle on October 4, where it will begin six weeks of additional training and systems recapitalization, including an operational phase in Victoria, Canada. Although she currently remains in Seattle, her final homeport will be Juneau, once infrastructure improvements are completed.
According to Commander Corey Kerns, the crew has demonstrated a quick adaptation to the operational complexities of the new ship, preparing to assume its full role in homeland security missions.
Source and photo: United States Guard News
