USCG Arctic official underscores multimission attributes of Polar Security Cutters

The multimission capability of Polar Security Cutters will make them a valuable asset, US Coast Guard officials say. (VT Halter Marine)

The multimission capability of the planned US Coast Guard (USCG) Polar Security Cutters (PSCs) will make them a valuable asset as the service meets growing security challenges in the Arctic, Rear Admiral Nathan Moore, 17th District commander, told Janes .

The PSCs will provide the kind of “direct” counter the USCG needs against the increasing presence of Chinese, Russian, and other forces vying for more control in the Arctic, Rear Adm Moore told Janes on 14 July.

Citing the return for great power competition for US forces and interests, particularly in the Arctic, which is part of the USCG 17th District, Rear Adm Moore emphasised the ability of the proposed fleet of PSCs to raise the profile and broaden the reach of the service in the region.

“It will be meeting presence with presence,” he said during an interview in Juneau.

On the same day Rear Adm Moore spoke to Janes , Admiral Linda Fagan, USCG commandant, reiterated the need to bolster the US heavy icebreaker fleet during hearing with the House Homeland Security Committee's transportation and maritime security panel.

However, as Rear Adm Moore told Janes , “The PSCs do much more than just break ice.”