A full version of the Operation Arctic Shield highlights is available at the below link:

Operation Artic Shield 2017 highlights

Operation Arctic Shield 2018

Arctic Shield Seal

"The Coast Guard is committed to having a mobile and seasonal presence for Arctic Operations as levels of maritime activity require.  As the nation's lead federal agency for ensuring maritime safety and security in the Arctic, the Coast Guard will protect the nation's interests, safeguard the environment and strengthen our international, federal, state, local and tribal partnerships."

As part of operation Arctic Shield 2018, the Coast Guard will deploy cutters, aircraft, and personnel to the Arctic to engage in operations encompassing a variety of Coast Guard missions. Operations will focus on promoting national interests and security throughout the Arctic. 

The Arctic Shield 2018 objectives are to:

  • Perform Coast Guard missions and activities in the Arctic
  • Enhance Arctic Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
  • Broaden partnerships in support of Coast Guard Arctic operations
  • Enhance and improve preparedness, prevention, and response capabilities

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategy objectives are: Improving Awareness, Broadening Partnerships and Modernizing Governance.

Environmental Assessment

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions.

In accordance with NEPA, the Coast Guard conducted an environmental assessment (EA) for 2017 Operation Arctic Shield activities.  The assessment concluded  there was a finding of no significant impact. The full assessment, cover letter and FONSI statement is linked below:

Arctic Shield 2017 FONSI June.pdf

Arctic Shield 2017 EA Cover.pdf

Arctic Shield 2017 Final Environmental Assessment.pdf

For more information about NEPA, please visit the EPA's website.

For general Operation Arctic Shield Questions please email us at:
D17-SMB-ArcticShield@uscg.mil

For more information about Coast Guard 17th District operations and activities, please visit our information site at https://www.news.uscg.mil/News-by-Region/17th-District-Alaska/.