Coast Guard Homeports Icebreaker Aiviq in Juneau

The U.S. Coast Guard has officially announced that it will homeport the Aiviq, a commercially procured icebreaker, in Juneau, Alaska, marking a significant step in enhancing U.S. presence in the Arctic. The Aiviq, originally built for Arctic oil exploration, will undergo modifications to serve as a medium polar icebreaker, with operational capability expected by 2026. This announcement follows the premature end of the Coast Guard's current icebreaker, the Healy, due to an electrical fire, highlighting the urgent need for reliable Arctic assets. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan praised the decision, emphasizing the importance of Arctic security amid rising Russian and Chinese military activity. The Coast Guard has received $125 million to facilitate the purchase and modification of the Aiviq, which is seen as a crucial interim solution until new Polar Security Cutters are operational. The homeporting of the Aiviq underscores a strategic commitment to bolstering Arctic defense capabilities.