USCG's Latest Polar Icebreaker 'Storis' Embarks on Its Inaugural Arctic Expedition

Image Credits: USCG
According to The Defense post, the U.S. Coast Guard has launched its latest icebreaker, the USCGC Storis (WAGB 21), embarking on its inaugural Arctic mission after successfully navigating through the Panama Canal.This marks a significant milestone as it’s the first polar icebreaker added to the Coast Guard’s fleet in over 25 years.

The Storis set sail from Bollinger Shipyards in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on June 3, 2025. It reached Panama canal’s northern entrance by june 11 and spent about 18 hours waiting outside Limon Bay before commencing its transit through the canal—a journey that took roughly eight hours and concluded at Miraflores locks late on June 12.While U.S. military vessels have had guaranteed passage rights since control of the canal was transferred to Panama in 1999, it remains unclear if Storis received any preferential treatment during its transit. Neither the U.S.Coast Guard nor Panama Canal Authority provided details regarding potential transit fees or special access granted to this icebreaker.

Though, documentation indicates that Storis did recieve priority access due to light southbound traffic at that time; typically, vessels can wait up to half a day for passage. Transit costs for large ships can soar as high as $500,000 but usually range between $60,000 and $150,000.

The vessel is slated to dock in San Diego by July 2, 2025. An official commissioning ceremony is planned for August in Juneau, Alaska—its designated homeport—though it will temporarily operate out of Seattle until necessary shore facilities are upgraded there.

Originally named Aiviq when purchased from Edison chouest Offshore on December 20, 2024, Storis underwent modifications aimed at enhancing interaction and self-defense systems prior to deployment.

This acquisition was facilitated by funding from both the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 and budget allocations for fiscal year 2024. While separate from the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program aimed at bolstering capabilities with new icebreakers expected around 2030, this purchase serves as an interim solution until those vessels are operational.Captain Keith M. Ropella commands Storis; he previously led Polar Star (WAGB-10) between July 2022 and July 2024. The crew comprises both coast Guard personnel and civilian mariners working together seamlessly.Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first vessel named Storis—the original served commendably for over six decades before being decommissioned in2007 after numerous Arctic missions.The new iteration aims to uphold that legacy while supporting operations across both polar regions—Arctic and Antarctic—and filling gaps left by older cutters dating back several decades.

Storis’ commissioning aligns with a broader strategy known as “Force design 2028,” introduced by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May21st which seeks enhancements across operations technology alongside shipbuilding initiatives within the Coast Guard framework.

Currently operating three polar icebreakers along with an additional twenty-one domestic icebreaking vessels plus sixteen capable buoy tenders—the long-term vision includes expanding their fleet size up towards eight or nine polar-capable ships overall—a goal previously emphasized by President Trump who suggested aiming for a total of forty such vessels nationwide.

As Storis embarks upon its mission journey forward into icy waters ahead—the Polar Security Cutter Program continues progressing too! The lead ship under this initiative—Polar Sentinel (WMSP-21)—entered full production phase back in May24th down south again within Pascagoula’s shipyard facilities measuring460 feet long featuring an86-foot beam designed specifically housing180 personnel alongside maritime helicopters capable undertaking extended90-day missions!

Powered via robust45 thousand horsepower diesel-electric engines enabling breaking through thick8-foot layers of solidified water while also boasting defensive armaments including12 point7mm machine guns coupled30mm autocannons ensuring safety throughout operations undertaken!

In addition Canadian shipbuilder Davie plans acquiring yard facilities located galveston Port Arthur Texas aiming transform region into major hub advanced naval construction efforts! CEO James Davies expressed commitment delivering quality products timely meeting security demands effectively partnering Gulf Copper achieving these ambitious goals together!