ARCTIC OCEAN – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20) is in the ice Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, about 715 miles north of Barrow, Alaska, in the Arctic. (NyxoLyno Cangemi/U.S. Coast Guard)
The U.S. Coast Guard deployed USCGC Healy, a 420-ft medium icebreaker, on a multiple-month mission to the Arctic from Seattle on Tuesday.
The Healy is set to conduct high-altitude research along with exercises and exchanges with foreign partners in the area.
The Healy was commissioned in 2000 and has made annual trips to the Arctic for research purposes.
“We’re excited to begin our Arctic deployment to the high latitudes,” said Capt. Michele Schallip, commanding officer of the Healy. “Our deployment will support scientific exploration to increase understanding of the changing Arctic environment and associated impacts.”
Schallip took command of the Healy back in June after spending time as the ship’s executive officer.
The Healy helps with Operation Artic Shield, the Coast Guard’s operation to create better awareness and experience in the Arctic, along with building better relationships with partners in the area, in addition to supporting the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategy.
“We’ll also have opportunities to deepen the Coast Guard’s cooperation with our allies, and partner nations through engagements and joint exercises to promote regional stability, security and strengthen our collaborative partnerships.” said Schallip.
The Healy’s mission comes as the Coast Guard moves to recapitalize the Polar icebreaker fleet with both economic and national security interests.
Last October, Healy marked its third visit to the North Pole, marking only the second time a U.S. ship has reached the location unaccompanied, having previously achieved the feat in 2015.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,065 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The U.S. Coast Guard has closed on the $125m fixed-price deal to acquire and convert icebreaking supply ship Aiviq from Offshore Surface Vessels LLC, part of Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO).
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton has returned from a 110-day Arctic patrol. Stratton extended U.S. surface vessel presence this summer to above 72°N latitude, waters traditionally reserved for icebreakers and ice-capable ships.
By Malte Humpert (gCaptain) – Commercial Polar icebreaker Aiviq will join the U.S Coast Guard inventory before the end of the calendar year, officials announced during a Congressional hearing on...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,065 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
