Intends to balance Russian presence with naval influence
Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz discussed potential future strategy for the Arctic in an online discussion hosted by Brookings Institution last week. The Coast Guard only has access to a single icebreaker ship in its fleet, but promotes implementing a “freedom of navigation operations,” or FONOPS, to allow them to patrol the northern area more often.
“I don’t want to accuse Russia of doing anything definitively, but I think what we have seen in terms of a propensity to aggressively be present… is something we need a countering, tempering force for,” Admiral Schultz said. “Presence equals influence in the Arctic, and right now, we are woefully lacking.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Admiral Schultz as the Coast Guard deliberates how best to operate in the Arctic region.
- For the secretary of the Navy as ideas and resources are considered.
- That President Biden and his military advisors would have wisdom in addressing Russian shows of strength.
Sources: Military.com
