Coast Guard: Observations on Arctic Requirements, Icebreakers, and Coordination with Stakeholders

• Main Author: Caldwell, Stephen L
• Other Authors: GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Military Operations; Strategy and Tactics; *COAST GUARD OPERATIONS; ARCTIC REGIONS; COASTAL REGIONS; FLEETS(SHIPS); ICE BREAKUP; MISSIONS; STRATEGY; GAO TESTIMONY; Arctic; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA552809; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA552809

The gradual retreat of polar sea ice, combined with an expected increase in human activity shipping traffic, oil and gas exploration, and tourism in the Arctic region has increased the strategic interest that the United States and other nations have in the Arctic. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard, within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has responsibilities in the Arctic, which are expected to increase. This testimony provides an update of: (1) the extent to which the Coast Guard has taken actions to identify requirements for future Arctic operations; (2) issues related to the U.S. icebreaking fleet; and (3) the extent to which the Coast Guard is coordinating with stakeholders on Arctic issues. Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives