Read previewThe US does not have enough icebreaker ships to compete in the Arctic the way Russia can with its much larger fleet, a US military commander warned.
Russia has deployed nuclear-powered icebreakers called Arktika and Sibir, which have been characterized as the largest and strongest icebreaker ships in the world.
"We need to make sure that we are trying to close a very very significant icebreaker gap, Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan said at the time.
For more than 20 years, the Coast Guard has been asking for funds for the Arctic, but those requests have been deferred, US Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter W. Gautier said last year.
AdvertisementWith growing threats in this region, the US military has been increasingly looking at Arctic training.
Persons:
—, Gregory M, Guillot, Maine Sen, Angus King, Alaska Sen, Dan Sullivan, Peter W, Gautier
Organizations:
Service, US Air Force, Northern Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Business, Coast Guard, Services, USCGC Polar Star, US Coast Guard, US Navy, Army
Locations:
Russia, Maine, Sibir, Alaska, China