US Coast Guard's first polar icebreaker in more than 25 years departs on maiden voyage

The US Coast Guard cutter Storis (WAGB 21), the service’s first polar icebreaker acquired in more than 25 years, departed on its maiden voyage on June 5 to conduct coast guard missions and safeguard US sovereign interests in the Arctic, according to a statement from the US Coast Guard.

Storis, formerly the anchor handling tug supply vessel Aiviq, was acquired in December 2024 from a subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore. Following its acquisition, the coast guard said the vessel underwent modifications to improve communications and self-defence systems.

Storis is the second coast guard vessel to carry the name. The original Storis served in Alaska and the Arctic for 64 years before being decommissioned in 2007.

The coast guard noted that the cutter will be commissioned in August in Juneau, Alaska, which is designated as its permanent homeport. However, it clarified that Storis will be temporarily berthed in Seattle, Washington alongside the service’s other two polar icebreakers until infrastructure improvements in Juneau are completed.

It is expected to expand US presence in the Arctic and support operational needs until the new polar security cutter (PSC) class is delivered, according to the coast guard.