The Coast Guard’s new strategy for developing a more expanded and persistent presence in the Arctic region will require improving navigation and communication systems, and will also be largely centered around some of the new capabilities presented by the National Security Cutter (NSC), the chief of the service said.
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp unveiled the new strategy outlining the challenges associated with an expanded presence in the Arctic and the service’s plans to address them. He told reporters following his presentation that part of that is improving mapping and navigation, as well as communications.
“We will need improved aids to navigation in the future…and communications systems as well, both terrestrial and satellite coms,” Papp said. The task will also require the help of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide better mapping, he said, noting that some of the current information dates back to the 1800s.
The NSCs, which are mobile command centers with sophisticated communications equipment, will also play a key role, he said. The Coast Guard plans to build eight NSCs with contractor Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Three have been delivered.
The Arctic strategy said that there is growing seasonal activity in the region, with increased oil exploration and operations, fishing and tourism during times of the year when the ice recedes and enables human access. That increased presence requires that the Coast Guard also boost its operations in the Arctic.
The document outlines three key elements for carrying out the strategy: improving awareness, modernizing governance and broadening partnerships.
“Operating in the Arctic is not a new venture for the Coast Guard. However, adapting to changing conditions will require foresight, focus and clear priorities,” the strategy said. “This strategy will ensure we attain the aim of safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the Arctic by improving awareness, modernizing governance, and broadening partnerships to ensure long-term success.”
Improving awareness will significantly rely on technology through better information sharing and the building of a Common Operational Picture, which is the primary tool for information sharing, situational awareness, and collaborative planning. That includes sharing the information not only across the service, but with international partners and local authorities, the document said.
Other aspects include vessel tracking data, and an enterprise architecture for Maritime Domain Awareness to include the deployment of portable surveillance sensor packages at choke points and on service assets, the strategy said.