Arctic resources and national security perspectives deliberated at the recemt Arctic Imperative Summit.
Vice Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, and Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, Coast Guard 17th District, attended the 2012 Arctic Imperative Summit that was held in Anchorage and Girdwood Aug. 24-27, 2012.
As the nation’s lead federal agency for ensuring maritime safety, security and stewardship in the Arctic, the Coast Guard is responsible for conducting its statutory missions in the Arctic to ensure it remains a safe, secure and environmentally sustainable region.
The admirals discussed Arctic resources and national security perspectives for the region and highlighted the Coast Guard’s Arctic Shield 2012 operation which focuses on outreach, operations and capability assessments.
Operations in the Arctic include a forward operating base in Barrow, multiple cutters, aircraft and personnel. These resources are strategically placed to respond to maritime emergencies based on increased human activity.
Outreach events were conducted by Coast Guard and other federal, state and local personnel in 27 different communities. It is the 17th District’s largest outreach effort in recent history and included water safety training, medical, dental and veterinary assistance.
To ensure the right resources are in place to conduct maritime operations to meet safety, security and stewardship requirements in the Arctic the Coast Guard partnered with Department of Defense personnel to conduct a three day exercise to deploy oil spill recovery equipment off the coast of Barrow.
The Coast Guard also evaluated the performance of amphibious craft in the ice flows.