Coast Guard Arctic Domain Awareness Flights Continue

November 9, 2007

On Thursday November 8, 2007 another Kodiak based Coast Guard C-130 Hercules headed north across the Arctic Circle by flying along Alaska's icy coastline, this time to land in Barrow. This media-invited trip was a follow-up to a Thursday October 25 first Arctic Domain Overflight mission that flew to the North Pole. Yesterday, AlaskaReport's fishery commentator Stephen Taufen rode along.

The purpose of the missions is for the USCG to develop Arctic domain awareness, evaluate equipment and learn how to operate in the cold environment as receding sea ice and other conditions result in more frequent northerly ocean traffic, scientific and related needs.

An important part of the mission is to establish the relationships with Arctic Slope communities and other entities that the USCG will cooperatively participate with in order to provide for a greater role in maritime security and safety in adjacent seas. Inherent in the long-term perspective is to balance these developments with preserving the unique ecosystem. The Coast Guard support missions are also in response to new international boundary monitoring and State Department concerns, and this represents a groundbreaking effort to be ready for an increased regional presence in the future.

Along on yesterday's mission were Bill Wilson of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council staff, and Richard Beck, scientist with the Barrow Arctic Science Consortium (BASC) [see website www.arcticscience.org] and a USCG contingent to evaluate facilities and foster strategic relationships in Barrow. It was a fun tour and unique opportunity to begin understanding the new role of the 17th District of the United States Coast Guard, under Rear Admiral Gene Brooks - a commander who should feel proud of his aircrew who made it a good mission for all.

We landed briefly to offload supplies at the world's (current) northernmost Coast Guard operation at Loran Station Port Clarence on the Seward Peninsula, about 75 miles north of Nome - just 60 miles shy of the Arctic Circle . Then we flew on to Barrow for a two-hour stopover, where Alice Drake was just one of the gracious hosts for a tour of key facilities and introduction to BASC science operations. The Arctic Slope Regional Corporation hosted us for coffee and snacks as the parties discussed mutual cooperation into the future (story to follow).

Here are some pictures to tide readers over until we interview Admiral Brooks and put together the rest of the story. For background, readers can find audio interviews of the Admiral and cockpit crew on the first flight, and see addition pictures at [uscgalaska.com/go/doc/780/180821/].

Story and all pictures by Stephen Taufen

© AlaskaReport News