U.S. Coast Guard Commissions First Arctic Icebreaker in 25 Years

The U.S. Coast Guard has commissioned the USCGC Storis, its first polar icebreaker acquired in over 25 years, marking a significant enhancement of America's Arctic capabilities amid rising foreign activity in the region. Formerly the commercial vessel Aiviq, Storis was purchased in late 2024, modified for enhanced communication and defense, and officially commissioned in Juneau, Alaska in August 2025. This medium icebreaker joins the USCGC Polar Star and USCGC Healy, expanding U.S. operational presence and supporting missions in the Arctic while awaiting the delivery of the new Polar Security Cutter, expected by 2030. The commissioning is part of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, the largest single investment in the Coast Guard, providing $25 billion to modernize the fleet and improve Arctic infrastructure, including a new berth for Storis in Juneau. Coast Guard leadership emphasized the vessel's strategic importance to securing U.S. maritime borders and countering increased Chinese and Russian activities in Arctic waters. Hybrid civilian and Coast Guard crews will man Storis, allowing immediate deployment without extensive training delays, reflecting a historic investment to maintain U.S. sovereignty and national security in the polar region.