The newest Coast Guard icebreaker Storis was officially commissioned at its homeport of Juneau on Sunday, with several political figures in attendance, including Sen. Dan Sullivan, Congressman Nick Begich, Admiral Kevin Lunday (acting commandant of the Coast Guard,) and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar. Missing was Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who had toured the ship on Saturday and posted photos of herself on social media.
It is the first Coast Guard icebreaker put into service in the past 25 years.
Sen. Dan Sullivan, in his remarks, said that “Arctic security is American security” and that the Storis is a strategic investment in the nation’s Arctic policy.
Congressman Nick Begich also spoke and said, “The commissioning of the Storis matters deeply to Alaska. It means jobs, engagement, and federal investment. It means seeing our Coast Guard not just as defenders of our coastline, but as strategic operators in a rapidly evolving Arctic theater. To everyone who made this day possible, thank you. Your dedication reflects the spirit that defines Alaska and our nation. Storis, welcome home. May your voyages protect our shores, defend our sovereignty, and inspire the next chapter of Arctic leadership.”
During the ceremony, anti-progress protesters on the street nearby could be heard shouting loudly while a prayer was being offered inside the ceremony enclosure.
Awesome! Thanks for everyone’s service in the Coast Guard and their families supporting them!
My prediction is that the ship spends more time tied up at a dock in Seattle for assorted purposes than it spends in Juneau or on patrol.
Where’s Senator Murkowski? She’s the one that is most responsible for Storis going to Alaska instead of the North East coast and by rights, the icebreaker should have been named after her.
Dan: How about a necktie, brother??
Tacky, Tacky dan
picturing the ‘Anti-Progress’ protesters in my mind, presents an ugly, ugly picture. This based on viewing various ‘Anti-Everything’ protest across the country. I mean in every sense, ‘Ugly’.