Lacking resources, US Coast Guard temporarily uses old icebreaker

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) commissioned the USCGC Storis, a former commercial icebreaker, in a ceremony held in Juneau, Alaska. The former civilian vessel will fill a capacity gap until new Polar Patrol Security Ships (PSCs) are delivered.

A private icebreaker was purchased by the US and converted into a coast guard ship. Photo: Naval News

The commissioning of this polar icebreaker marks a major step forward in President Trump’s directive to rebuild the Coast Guard, including historic investments through the One Big Beautiful Bill.

This is the first time in 25 years that the US Coast Guard has had to use a "second hand" ship. As a medium polar icebreaker, Storis expands the US operational presence in the Arctic and will support Coast Guard missions while waiting for the new Polar Security Cutter class to be delivered.

“The commissioning of Storis marks a new beginning for the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar.

President Trump’s One Big Beautiful bill recapitalizes the USCG by $25 billion—the largest single investment in the Coast Guard. This new investment will better equip the Coast Guard to protect our national interests, support our maritime communities, and stand with our allies.

However, until new vessels are commissioned, purchasing commercial vessels and converting their functions is the best temporary solution.

USCGC Storis will enhance the nation’s maritime capabilities in the Arctic, continuing the modernization initiative launched by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable, and responsive fighting force.

“The commissioning of USCGC Storis immediately strengthens our ability to control, protect and defend the United States’ borders around Alaska and the sea lanes approaching the Arctic,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Storis is the first step in a historic investment in the Coast Guard that will add critical capabilities to our polar icebreaker fleet to protect American sovereignty and counter malign influence across the Arctic.”

Storis, formerly the motor ship Aiviq, was renamed by its previous owner Edison Chouest Offshore after undergoing a refit to enhance its communications and defence capabilities.

Before being acquired, the icebreaker was named M/V Aiviq, operated by Edison Chouest Offshore Company. Photo: The Warship

Storis is manned by a mixed military and civilian crew and will be temporarily docked in Seattle, Washington, along with two other Coast Guard polar icebreakers, until necessary infrastructure improvements are completed in Juneau.

This is the second ship in Coast Guard history to bear the name Storis , following the original "Galloping Ghost of the Alaskan Coast" which served 64 years of icebreaking operations in the Arctic.

The Coast Guard operates the nation's fleet of icebreakers to ensure access and protect U.S. sovereign interests in the polar regions .

It is also the third US polar icebreaker. It provides a short-term operational presence and supports national security in the Arctic as a bridging strategy to an Arctic surface presence.

Additional Coast Guard icebreakers will be acquired through investments in the One Big Beautiful Bill – the largest single funding commitment in Coast Guard history – which includes more than $8.3 billion for new equipment purchases.