USCG Teams Deploy to Alaska

Image via U.S. Coast Guard.

Members of the U.S. Guard recently headed to Kotzebue, Alaska, to support various operations this summer.

Sector Anchorage’s Marine Safety Task Force is expected to be in the area through July 16 for a multi-mission deployment mainly centered around facility inspections.

“Facility inspections help mitigate the potential for oil pollution in the region,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Houvener, a marine science technician and team lead. “These facilities are crucial for providing oil to warm homes during winter months. Alaska experiences harsh environmental conditions, so it’s important to inspect the safety and integrity of such waterside facilities to decrease the risk of an oil spill.”

Meanwhile, Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak crew members are planning to use a seasonal forward-operating location for aircraft this month in Kotzebue. The location allows crews to better respond to growing maritime activity in the Bering Strait and Northern Slope areas.

“The use of forward operating locations in Alaska helps the service make the best strategic use of limited resources,” the USCG explained in a prepared statement.

By Karen Robes Meeks