By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: US Coast Guard to add heavy icebreaker amid shipbuilding overhaul
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
US Coast Guard to add heavy icebreaker amid shipbuilding overhaul
Tactical

US Coast Guard to add heavy icebreaker amid shipbuilding overhaul

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: May 9, 2025 6:47 pm
Jimmie Dempsey Published May 9, 2025
Share
SHARE

Full production of a new polar security cutter for the U.S. Coast Guard was recently approved by the Department of Homeland Security, as the administration seeks to boost shipbuilding and maritime security in the increasingly competitive Arctic region.

The new vessel — the first heavy polar icebreaker to be built in the U.S. in about five decades — will be constructed by Bollinger Shipyards.

Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, hailed the move in a release as “a historic achievement not only for Bollinger Shipyards but also for American shipbuilding.”

“Securing the green light for full production underscores the confidence the U.S. government places in Bollinger to deliver the nation’s first heavy polar icebreaker in nearly 50 years,” he said.

The U.S. Coast Guard currently fields a single heavy polar icebreaker, the USCGC Polar Star, and a single medium polar icebreaker, the USCGC Healy.

The Healy was put out of action by an electrical fire last July and the Polar Star is nearly five decades old.

To compensate for a dearth of existing icebreakers, the service in December purchased a commercially available light polar icebreaker — which was renamed the USCGC Storis — that became the first to be added to the service’s fleet in a 25-year period.

The green light for the heavy polar icebreaker, meanwhile, comes as the U.S. military has observed a recent surge in foreign maritime activity in the Arctic region, including a joint Chinese-Russian air patrol near Alaska last summer.

In an April 9 executive order, President Donald Trump called for a new strategy to improve maritime security in the Arctic. Resources to ramp up Coast Guard vessel production are part of the reconciliation bill currently being considered by lawmakers.

The bill would provide over $9 billion for Coast Guard vessel manufacturing, which could see the construction of up to 30 new cutters of various sizes and operational capabilities, as reported by USNI News. Those new vessels could include three or more Arctic security cutters, two polar security cutters, eight heritage-class offshore patrol cutters and up to 15 fast response cutters.

The legislation also includes provisions to increase Coast Guard aviation capacity, with funding for fixed and rotary wing aircraft and maintenance.

Additional vessels are only one facet of sweeping changes now being introduced to the U.S. Coast Guard, which is currently being restructured according to a recently announced initiative called Force Design 2028.

“We are executing transformational change to renew the Coast Guard,” said Acting Commandant Kevin Lunday in a statement.

Changes would include the addition of a Coast Guard service secretary, a move that has already been proposed in legislation.

About Zita Ballinger Fletcher

Zita Ballinger Fletcher previously served as editor of Military History Quarterly and Vietnam magazines and as the historian of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. She holds an M.A. with distinction in military history.

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

SCCY Closes its Doors

New Concealed Carry Pistols for 2025

First Look: SOG Hidaka XR and FX Knives

First Look: High Speed Gear Dust Bag Insert for NVG Pouch

First Look: RXD Suppressors from Dead Air And Ruger

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
Joe Flacco reacts to fresh start with Bengals, shares motivation behind drive to compete in NFL
News

Joe Flacco reacts to fresh start with Bengals, shares motivation behind drive to compete in NFL

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey October 11, 2025
US judge vows to rule ‘soon’ on Abrego Garcia’s fate after marathon hearing
Kim Jong Un shows off ‘most powerful’ ballistic missile as foreign leaders watch North Korea military parade
Trump declared in ‘excellent overall health’ by doctor after Walter Reed visit
War Department launches new counter-narcotics task force under Trump directive to crush cartels
Democrat prematurely announces Senate campaign launch, but quickly deletes post
National Guard troops seen on patrols in Memphis with local police
Tactical

National Guard troops seen on patrols in Memphis with local police

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey October 10, 2025
Maine school board meeting sees women undress in protest of trans athletes in girls’ sports, in growing trend
News

Maine school board meeting sees women undress in protest of trans athletes in girls’ sports, in growing trend

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey October 10, 2025
US Air Force’s Allvin era comes to early end with retirement ceremony
Tactical

US Air Force’s Allvin era comes to early end with retirement ceremony

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey October 10, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?