US Needs New Icebreaker Fast To Face Russia, China Arctic Presence - Coast Guard Admiral
Faizan Hashmi Published July 19, 2019 | 02:50 AM
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th July, 2019) The United States needs half a dozen new icebreakers including one heavy one as soon as possible to complement its single, 40-year-old operational one in the Arctic Ocean, Coast Guard Deputy Commandant Vice Admiral Daniel Abel told a conference.
"We're looking to get at least six icebreakers, three of them heavy: Our lone icebreaker is the Polar Star and she's 40 years old," Abel told a conference on the Impacts of an Ice-Diminishing Arctic on Naval and Maritime Operations on Thursday. "We need that [next] vessel quickly."
Abel told the conference that Russia had recently completed six new bases in the Arctic and built six new icebreakers
In June, the US Department of Defense published a report in which it prioritized a strategic approach to the Arctic to counter China and Russia's "competitive edge" in the Arctic region.
On Tuesday, US Secretary of the Army Mark Esper reiterated this concern before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing for the position of Secretary of Defense.
The United States will soon have a persistent year-round presence in the Arctic region once its new polar ice breakers are in service, National Security Adviser John Bolton said during a speech at the Coast Guard academy graduation ceremony on May 22.
Bolton added that the Coast Guard would help the United States challenge growing Russian military influence in the Arctic and push back against China's illegitimate claim to near Arctic status.
Russia has recently been stepping up its military, trade and exploration activities in the Arctic, building transport and energy infrastructure and developing the Northern Sea Route as part of Arctic's Northern Passage that links Europe and Asia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said Moscow's actions in the Arctic do not threaten anyone, noting that Russia only acts to ensure sufficient capabilities for defense.
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From World
-
Tesla asks shareholders to reapprove huge Musk pay deal
12 minutes ago -
Real Madrid exact revenge on Man City to reach Champions League semis
22 minutes ago -
German far-right firebrand in court for using Nazi slogan
22 minutes ago -
Gauff, Raducanu shine in Stuttgart
41 minutes ago -
Eight reported injured after Japan quake
41 minutes ago -
Error-plagued Gauff wins clay season opener, Raducanu shines
41 minutes ago
-
Tokyo shares open lower after US chip shares fall
42 minutes ago -
Ruling conservatives win most seats in Croatia election, but no majority
42 minutes ago -
US university cancels Muslim student's graduation speech after pro-Israel groups object, CAIR protes ..
2 hours ago -
EU weighs response to Russian 'interference' in election runup
7 hours ago -
Going 'backwards'? Whistleblowers slam Boeing safety culture
7 hours ago -
US to reimpose oil sanctions on Venezuela: officials
7 hours ago