The U.S. Coast Guard's latest polar icebreaker has returned to Seattle after a 36-day mission in the Bering Sea. This journey is an early test for a vessel that will increasingly support U.S. activities in the Arctic....
The U.S. Coast Guard's latest polar icebreaker has returned to Seattle after a 36-day mission in the Bering Sea. This journey is an early test for a vessel that will increasingly support U.S. activities in the Arctic.
USCGC Storis (WAGB 21) returned to its temporary homeport last Monday after a winter patrol that focused on icebreaking capabilities, operational readiness, joint missions, and logistics in extreme northern environments.
Commissioned in 2025, Storis is the Coast Guard's first new polar icebreaker in over twenty years. At 360 feet long, this medium icebreaker was sent to evaluate its capabilities in Arctic conditions and to gather data for future Coast Guard and allied operations in icy waters.
“Operating the Storis in the harsh conditions of an Arctic winter shows our country’s commitment,” said Capt. Corey Kerns, commanding officer of Storis. “Storis is a vital link to our future fleet of icebreakers. This mission is all about training, preparation, and emphasizing the Arctic's ongoing significance to our nation.”
During the patrol, Storis worked with the Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Waeschenear near the ice edge, where visibility was reportedly limited to about 150 yards due to winter conditions.
Both cutters also tested a fueling process in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. This test is aimed at enhancing Storis' ability to operate far from support facilities and to extend its time at sea.
The crew participated in ice rescue drills and a live-fire gunnery exercise, highlighting the Coast Guard's important roles in both Arctic rescue missions and national security tasks.
Storis is powered by four diesel engines, generating a total of 22,500 horsepower, and can break through three feet of ice at a speed of five knots. It is part of a small but increasingly vital fleet of polar icebreakers, joining USCGC Healy and USCGC Polar Star.
The return of Storis comes just days after Davie Defense completed a $3.5 billion contract to build five new Arctic Security Cutters. This is part of the Coast Guard's effort to increase year-round operations in the rapidly changing polar region.
Last week, Davie Defense announced it had signed a deal to construct five new Arctic Security Cutters under the trilateral ICE Pact, which includes the United States, Canada, and Finland. The first vessels are set to be built at Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, before production moves to Texas, with the first delivery anticipated in 2028.