[Llarry]

Icebreaker status: The U.S. Coast Guard has a single active icebreaker, the Healy (WAGB 20), along with two aging Polar class icebreakers completed in 1976-78 that have become basically unusable due to maintenance and reliability issues. Shameful!

The good news is that a class of three Polar Security Cutters (large icebreakers) has been authorized to restore USCG icebreaking capabilities. The first of class has been delayed by a number of factors and is expected to enter service in 2029. Given budget realities, it remains to be seen whether all three will be built and placed in service.

The new ships will be much larger than the current WAGBs: 460 feet long with an 88-foot beam and displacing 23,000 tons. They will be lightly armed with 30mm and .50 cal (12.7mm) guns and have accommodations for 186 crew and scientists. The lead ship will be named Polar Sentinel (WMSP 21); all three are planned to be homeported in Seattle, Washington.

The U.S. Coast Guard is an armed service that is a component of the Department of Homeland Security. In times of national emergency, all or part can be transferred to the Navy. The last time that happened was World War II.