The U.S. Coast Guard and the Future Security of the Arctic Policy...Frozen in Time
Abstract
With the decrease in sea ice, increase in use of Arctic transportation routes, and natural resource exploration, the Arctic region has already become an area for increased competition. The US Coast Guard's aging 40+ year-old icebreaker fleet is hanging by a thread, and only as of this year have plans and funding been approved to build the first replacement. In addition to existential threats, the current icebreakers can only partially meet the demands of the nations marine safety, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and national defense missions. The US reluctance to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in conjunction with the current gaps in national and service level policies remain an obstacle to moving forward in a unified fashion. The key to establishing the US as a leader in the Arctic region lies in updating and synchronizing these policies to ensure continuity in achieving our future goals in the region. The United States needs to secure its future in the Arctic, develop the capability to support its allies, and support global interests in the region. US efforts need to be well defined, firm, and lasting. In light of the competitive actions by both Russia and China, US efforts also need to be assertive and withstand the constant flux of the US political cycle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1177185
Entities
People
- Christopher C. Rosen
Organizations
- Marine Corps University