Overcoming Deficiencies: Strategies for Instant Improvement in U.S. Arctic Capabilities

The United States is bolstering its presence in the Arctic region by leveraging the Federal Oceanographic Fleet, a diverse group of vessels operated by various federal agencies. This fleet, which numbered thirty-five as of 2016, includes the Coast Guard's Polar Star and Healy, the NSF's contracted vessels, Nathaniel B. Palmer and Laurence M. Gould, and others from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Office of Naval Research.

The need for a strong Arctic presence is underscored by Admiral Schultz's assertion: "If we're not present, if we don't own the environment today, guess who owns it tomorrow-our competitors." This sentiment is echoed in the growing Chinese and Russian presence in the region.

The U.S. Coast Guard, the primary federal agency operating icebreaker ships capable of Arctic ice operations, currently maintains two operational icebreakers with a third, the Storis, soon to be commissioned. There are proposals to build up to 40 new icebreakers to enhance strategic capabilities in the face of this growing competition. These assets can be utilized for various purposes, including maintaining maritime navigation, supporting scientific research, and asserting U.S. sovereignty and security interests in the Arctic region.

The Arctic Council, created in 1996 after the Cold War, provides a forum for Arctic states to cooperate on environmental protection, sustainable development, and emergency response. However, the United States needs to dedicate forces to its homeland defense command and pursue unconventional alternatives to achieve a greater Arctic presence.

The U.S. has faced challenges in maintaining its Arctic fleet. The Polar Sea, for instance, is currently out of commission due to an engine failure in 2010. The Polar Star, which underwent a $57 million overhaul between 2008 and 2012, remains the only operational icebreaker in the U.S. fleet inventory. The first Polar Security Cutter is expected in 2024, but it will take another twelve to eighteen months before the ship is operational and mission ready.

In the meantime, NOAA ships have taken on crucial roles. They have sailed into the Arctic, pirated waters off the coast of Africa, and in the Indian Ocean. NOAA ships have also been redirected in response to the BP oil spill, aided the search and recovery efforts for the TWA 800 disaster, and operated off the coast of Kuwait in the first Gulf War.

The Sikuliaq, operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is a vessel capable of limited polar region operations and can operate in ice two and a half feet thick. NOAA Corps officers, a commissioned officer corps and one of the eight US uniformed services, operate the vessels of NOAA.

President Donald Trump issued a memo in 2020 about safeguarding U.S. interests in the polar regions, directing the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to look for options to bridge the gap in polar vessel capability until the new Polar Security Cutters are online. The United States has plans for upwards of six new icebreakers in the coming decade, but their delivery target is unlikely given past construction timelines.

In conclusion, the Federal Oceanographic Fleet plays a crucial role in the U.S.'s Arctic strategy. As the region becomes increasingly contested, it is essential that the U.S. continues to invest in and utilise these resources to maintain its presence and protect its interests.

Overcoming Deficiencies: Strategies for Instant Improvement in U.S. Arctic Capabilities