Cutter Hamilton begins historic Arctic patrol

[unhappycamper]

Frozen frontier
Service defining new responsibilities


Cutter Hamilton begins historic Arctic patrol
By Amy McCullough - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Aug 30, 2008 7:48:15 EDT

This isn’t a typical summer for the crew of the California-based cutter Hamilton, but these Coasties aren’t complaining as they sail into history.

After weeks of studying ice patterns and preparing for the arctic weather, the crew of the Hamilton is putting its training to use in its attempt to be the first non-ice-breaking vessel to conduct safety and security patrols in the Arctic.

Coast Guard Division 17 Commander Rear Adm. Arthur “Gene” Brooks said the Hamilton’s 4,000-nautical mile journey through the Arctic is the “final piece of the puzzle” the Coast Guard needs to put together for a comprehensive report outlining not only what its new responsibilities in that area include, but also what equipment will be necessary to complete the mission. Brooks said the report is due out “sometime this fall.”

The continued melting of the Arctic ice caps, an increase in oil exploration and additional shipping and cruise routes in the polar region are taxing the fleet, which now is responsible for patrolling areas that used to be ice, Commandant Adm. Thad Allen has said.

The 378-foot cutter left Alaska’s Dutch Harbor on Aug. 21. As it sailed through mostly fog and rain for Nome, where a helicopter brought Brooks and a commander from the Canadian navy aboard, its crew donned Mustang exposure suits to wash down the ship and brace themselves for the arctic weather.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/08/coastguard_arcticpatrol_083008w/%2e