With the Alaska Purchase in 1867, the United States became an Arctic nation and the Revenue Cutter Service became the principal U.S. law enforcement agency in this new territory. Fabled cutters such as the USRC Corwin and Bear acted as sentinels against illicit trade and poaching while landing scientific parties and providing search and rescue assistance.
Noting the impact of commercial operations on native food supplies, Captain Michael Healy of the Bear purchased Siberian reindeer and ferried them to Alaska. Working with Alaska Natives and a missionary named Sheldon Jackson, he grew those few reindeer into a vast heard. These efforts would provide a continuous food supply for Alaskans and were critical in saving from starvation hundreds of crewmembers from ice besieged whaling ships. Healy’s lifesaving efforts were the result of his knowledge of Alaskan waters, his federal authority, and effective use of local and international partnerships.
In the 150 years since, the Revenue Cutter Service has evolved into the U.S. Coast Guard, and while its name has changed, its vision to “ensure safe, secure and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the Arctic” has not.
Today, diminishing ice in Alaska’s navigable waters is opening access to its remote wilderness, creating enormous economic opportunities in this challenging but fragile environment. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the Arctic Circle may contain 30 percent of the world’s undiscovered gas and 13 percent of its oil. Possible exploration and extraction of these resources has drawn increased international attention.
But along with economic opportunity has come growth in illegal trafficking. Alaska is among the top states in illicit drug use. In February 2017, then-Governor Bill Walker declared an opioid crisis.
At the foundation of any successful strategic or economic policy for the Arctic must be a plan to strengthen and protect Alaska’s communities. In addition to search and rescue, boater safety, and environmental response, increased enforcement operations enhanced with interagency partnerships are needed. Combining the Coast Guard’s waterway authorities with local knowledge and mission-specific resources can help close the jurisdictional and capability gaps exploited by criminals.
Since the days of Captain Healy, many federal agencies have joined the Coast Guard in providing safety, security, and environmental stewardship in Alaska. With the anticipated increase of international players in Alaskan waters, it is more important than ever for the Coast Guard to build relationships and secure local communities.