CG boss calls for forward bases in the Arctic

[unhappycamper]

CG boss calls for forward bases in the Arctic
By Patricia Kime - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Sep 28, 2007 10:23:46 EDT

The U.S. needs to update its domestic policy on the Arctic and ratify the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea if it plans to join the growing international fray over the region’s resources or participate in future discussions on the polar cap, the Coast Guard’s top officer said Thursday.

Adm. Thad Allen told U.S. and international naval officers, shipping industry officials and civilians that the nation should consider establishing forward operating bases in the Arctic that would support crisis response in the region.

Operations such as search and rescue, pollution response and security patrols would be launched from these facilities, he said.

“It’s time to have a discussion on this, folks ... a discussion of the national security implications, about the issues regarding increased shipping, increased use of the waters for eco-tourism, for oil and natural gas exploration and for a warm-water path over the top of Russia,” Allen said at the IFPA-Fletcher Conference on National Security Strategy and Policy in Washington.

As the main U.S. naval force that patrols the Arctic, the Coast Guard needs a revised version of U.S. Arctic policy, last updated in 1994, Allen said.

He argued that the service needs better guidance on national Arctic goals so it can plan future force structure and acquisitions.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/09/coastguard_allen_speech_070928w/

[acmavm]

1. Yep, them damn Russians are getting too close for comfort and

who knows when they may attack?

:sarcasm: