The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) has returned to its base in Seattle after a 129-day Arctic patrol. This mission highlighted the increasing competition in the Arctic, as the icebreaker kept an eye on Chinese research ships operating in U.S. waters.

The Healy, which is 420 feet long and the largest in the Coast Guard fleet, traveled over 20,000 miles during its deployment. The mission supported Operation Arctic West Summer and Operation Frontier Sentinel, focusing on protecting U.S. rights in the area.

“Healy has specialized capabilities that let us operate in the most remote areas and carry out the Coast Guard's top missions,” said Capt. Kristen Serumgard, the commanding officer of the Healy. “The crew, both active and civilian, showed great adaptability, dedication, and resilience as they navigated over 20,000 miles through ice-covered waters to accomplish our objectives.”

Monitoring Foreign Research Ships

During Operation Frontier Sentinel, the Healy monitored three foreign research vessels operating in U.S. waters in icy conditions. This is especially important as five Chinese-affiliated research vessels were active in these Arctic waters over the summer, leading the Coast Guard to send multiple ships to protect U.S. interests.

From August 31 to September 2, the Coast Guard specifically kept an eye on the Chinese-flagged vessel JIDI, located about 265 miles northwest of Utqiagvik, and the Liberia-flagged Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di, which was about 230 miles north of Utqiagvik. Both were operating in U.S. Extended Continental Shelf waters.

“This operation shows the importance of our ice-capable fleet,” said Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District. “The Coast Guard is responsible for securing and defending the northern U.S. border and maritime areas in the Arctic to maintain U.S. sovereignty, and operations like those of the Healy highlight the urgent need for more Coast Guard icebreakers.”

In addition to security tasks, the crew of the Healy assisted in two missions involving the deployment and recovery of underwater oceanographic equipment in the U.S. Arctic, East Siberian Sea, and Laptev Sea, partnering with the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, and other organizations. The collected data will help provide a better understanding of the Arctic Ocean's physical, biological, and chemical characteristics.

The cutter also made a stop in Western Alaska to help communities affected by severe storms, providing search and rescue and disaster relief assistance.

Expanding Arctic Presence

This patrol indicates the Coast Guard's growing operations in the Arctic, which is becoming more accessible and strategically vital. In August, the Coast Guard commissioned the Cutter Storis (WAGB 21) in Juneau, which undertook a 112-day inaugural mission in the Bering Sea and Arctic.

Based in Seattle, the Healy can break through 4.5 feet of ice at a continuous speed of three knots and operates effectively in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring year-round access to the Arctic Ocean.

The Coast Guard partners with U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command to continuously monitor foreign vessels operating in and near U.S. waters.