Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 17, 2024 10:37 am GMT
SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy is back in action after an onboard electrical fire caused an earlier mission to be cut short. On Tuesday, the Healy departed Seattle for a crucial months-long Arctic deployment aimed at bolstering the U.S. presence in a region increasingly influenced by foreign powers like China and Russia.
During its fall 2024 deployment, the Healy will support multiple scientific missions that highlight its capabilities and commitment to Arctic research.
Science Missions on the Horizon
The Healy will embark on three primary missions during its Arctic deployment, each designed to address pressing scientific needs in the region.
Arctic Port Access Route Study (PARS)
The first mission involves the Arctic Port Access Route Study (PARS). The Healy will perform bathymetric mapping in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. This study aims to understand current vessel patterns and predict future navigation needs in the Arctic. The findings of the PARS may lead to vital rulemaking or international agreements that take into account a range of factors, including:
- Coastal communities
- Fishing activities
- Commercial traffic
- Military requirements
- Resource development
- Wildlife presence and habitat
- Tribal activities
- Recreational uses
By collecting data, the Coast Guard hopes to develop routing measures that balance the needs of all waterway users.
Early Career Polar Scientists Training Cruise
In a significant educational initiative, the Healy will host 20 early career polar scientists and their mentors on an Arctic Chief Scientists Training Cruise. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System, this mission allows these budding scientists to:
- Conduct multidisciplinary research
- Map critical bathymetric gaps
- Develop crucial shipboard leadership and coordination skills
By providing hands-on experience, the Healy plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of scientists engaged in Arctic research.
Support for NOAA and Other Research Opportunities
The final mission will include support for other scientific opportunities. This primarily involves sea floor mapping for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coast Survey. This work will contribute to enhancing navigation safety in an area where reliable data is still sparse.
Committed to Arctic Research
“The opportunities we have to support numerous diverse research objectives in the northern polar region this fall are exciting,” said Capt. Michele Schallip, Healy’s commanding officer. “In an era of increasing vessel traffic, our work will contribute to navigation safety in a region where existing soundings are sparse.”
The crew, engineering staff, and partners at General Electric worked diligently to ensure the Healy is ready for the harsh Arctic environment, capable of breaking through 4.5 feet of ice continuously at three knots and operating in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Importance of Healy’s Mission
As tensions rise in the region, maintaining a U.S. presence in the Arctic has never been more critical. The Cutter Healy is not just an important scientific asset; it also serves as a strategic tool for the U.S. Coast Guard and military operations.
Earlier this year, the icebreaker was sidelined after an engine room fire, necessitating repairs that delayed its deployment. Now, after intensive work to ensure its operational safety, the Healy is set to arrive in the Arctic region around October 25, and will not return to Seattle until approximately December 15.
Broader Implications
The work conducted by the Healy is positioned against a backdrop of growing interest from other nations in the Arctic, particularly China and Russia. As sea ice recedes due to climate change, these nations have increased their activities in the region, raising questions about resource exploration and national security.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s approach combines scientific inquiry with strategic presence, ensuring the country remains engaged in understanding and navigating changes in the Arctic. The data collected could have long-term implications for international navigation standards, safety protocols, and the ecological health of the Arctic region.
As we look ahead, the Cutter Healy’s deployment promises to contribute significantly to our understanding of the Arctic’s complex environment, ensuring that the U.S. can effectively participate in addressing the challenges posed by increased shipping traffic and geopolitical competition.
For further information on the Arctic and the ongoing missions of the U.S. Coast Guard, please visit their official website at www.uscg.mil.
The Healy’s missions show a strong mix of science and smart planning. They are helping us learn new things that can make sailing safer and improve teamwork between countries in this important and changing area.
