The Coast Guard expects to launch the first of three new icebreakers in 2024. But don’t expect to see much of it in Alaska.
Military
Environmental worries persist as Northern Edge military exercises grow
With increasing military interest in the Arctic, many coastal communities worry about the effects of large training exercises in Alaska waters.
Alaska-based fighters intercept 6 Russian aircraft flying near Alaska
According to NORAD, there were two separate incidents in the international airspace near Alaska, neither of which violated U.S. air sovereignty.
Why is the US so far behind in the Arctic? Clues emerge at congressional hearing.
Retired Adm. Thad Allen, a former Coast Guard commandant, says the country needs to wake up to the strategic importance of the Arctic Ocean and commit more resources to the region.
Pompeo to Arctic Council: Easy days are over
The countries of the Arctic Council have for years rejoiced that their region is a zone of peace and cooperation. But in a speech in Finland Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took a harder edge.
Navy plans to be more active in the Arctic
Keeping an eye on Russia and China, the U.S. Navy is increasing its presence in the Arctic.
Federal government shutdown’s effects linger for Coast Guard in Alaska
The commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s Alaska district says it may take until summer’s end to catch up on some of the work delayed by the partial federal government shutdown.
China, Russia find common cause in the Arctic
China and Russia are teaming up to pursue their interests in the Arctic. Regional security expert Rebecca Pincus says the United States needs to pay more attention.
Murkowski votes to block Trump’s emergency; Sullivan votes opposite
Sen. Lisa Murkowski was one of a dozen Republicans who voted to cancel the emergency. Sen. Dan Sullivan voted with 40 other Republicans against rejecting President Donald Trump’s declaration.
Sullivan weighs in on border wall, proposed state budget cuts
During a stop in Homer, Sen. Dan Sullivan touted his legislative victories and voiced support for Alaska military projects. He also urged the state Legislature to avoid budget cuts that would impact federal spending in Alaska.