Trump Administration Commissions First Arctic Icebreaker in Quarter of a Century

Storis (WAGB 21) is the first Arctic Icebreaker Commissioned in Quarter of a Century

The Storis, formerly the motor vessel Aiviq, was acquired on December 20, 2024, and subsequently renamed after modifications to enhance its communication and defense capabilities. Storis is manned by a hybrid crew of Coast Guard and civilian mariners. This marks the second vessel in 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.

Icebreakers are vital for America’s presence in the Arctic, an area increasingly contested by America’s adversaries due to its growing potential for oil and gas exploration, critical minerals, trade route traffic, fishing, and tourism.
Now, thanks to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill and Force Design 2028 – a massive injection of $25 billion is coming for the U.S. Coast Guard to protect this region, including:
$4.3 Billion for Polar Security Cutters, extending U.S. reach in the Arctic,
$3.5 Billion for three Arctic Security Cutters,
$816 Million for light and medium domestic icebreaking cutters,
& $300 Million for USCGC home porting in Juneau

Aiviq bad history:
In 2012, while towing Shell’s Kulluk drill rig, the Aiviq suffered towing gear failure and engine shutdowns caused by seawater-contaminated fuel. Vulnerable system design and inadequate equipment left the rig adrift until it ran aground near Kodiak Island, prompting a Coast Guard rescue and an investigation citing poor planning, inexperience, and design flaws.

https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4270746/us-coast-guard-commissions-uscgc-storis-bolstering-arctic-presence-and-advancin/