US Coast Guard’s new polar icebreaker enters service

August 12, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Coast Guard has commissioned the polar icebreaker USCGC Storis (WAGB 21) in Juneau, Alaska.

This vessel is the coast guard’s first polar icebreaker acquired in over 25 years. As a medium polar icebreaker, USCGC Storis expands the US operational presence in the Arctic and will support US Coast Guard missions while awaiting the delivery of the new Polar security cutter class.

Furthermore, Storis will enhance the maritime capabilities in the Arctic, continuing the service’s modernization through Force Design 2028, an initiative introduced by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to transform the US Coast Guard into ‘a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force’.

“The commissioning of Storis marks a new beginning for the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Troy Edgar.

“President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill has recapitalized USCG with $25 billion – the largest single investment in the Coast Guard. The new investment will lead to a Coast Guard that is better equipped to protect our national interests, support our maritime communities and stand alongside our allies.”

“USCGC Storis is a major win for the American people,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard.

“The commissioning of USCGC Storis immediately strengthens our ability to control, secure and defend the U.S. border around Alaska and maritime approaches in the Arctic. Storis is the first step of a historic investment in the Coast Guard to add critical capacity to our polar icebreaker fleet to protect U.S. sovereignty and counter malign influence throughout the Arctic.”

Storis, formerly the motor vessel Aiviq, was acquired on December 20, 2024, and subsequently renamed after modifications to enhance its communication and defense capabilities.

US Coast Guard’s cutter Storis kicks off maiden voyage

Operations

The ship is manned by a hybrid crew of military cuttersmen and civilian mariners. It will be temporarily berthed in Seattle, Washington, alongside the service’s two other polar icebreakers, until necessary infrastructure improvements are completed in Juneau.

This marks the second vessel in the US Coast Guard history to bear the name Storis, with the original “Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast” having served 64 years of icebreaking operations in the Arctic.

Additional US Coast Guard icebreakers will be acquired through investments in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – the largest single funding commitment in the coast guard’s history, including: