U.S. Coast Guard’s new polar icebreaker was assigned a homeport in Kodiak, Alaska

USCG Cutter Storis
Crewmembers from the Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WAGB 21) conduct helicopter operations with an MH60-Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, Alaska. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
USCGC Storis departs on maiden voyage
Pascagoula, MISS – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis is shown here underway, June 3, 2025. The Storis is the Coast Guard’s first new polar icebreaker acquisition in 25 years and will expand U.S. operational presence in the Artic Ocean. Photos courtesy of Edison Chouest Offshore.

Mission:
As a polar icebreaker, the Storis is tasked with protecting U.S. sovereignty and monitoring activities in the U.S. Arctic waters.  
 
Strategic Importance:
The Arctic is a region of growing strategic importance, and the Storis provides a much-needed presence to ensure access and support national security efforts.  
 
Bridging Strategy:
The Storis acts as a bridging strategy, providing operational capacity while the Coast Guard works to acquire a larger complement of new icebreakers.  

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