Inside the Largest U.S. Icebreaker The Arctic is incredibly important to national security. As noted in the National Strategy for the Arctic Region, the United States seeks an Arctic region that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous. The U.S. Coast Guard contributes to that goal through enduring presence in the high latitudes. As an Arctic nation, our work in the northern high latitudes ensures our national sovereignty, secures American waterways, and protects American economic prosperity. Last summer, the USCGC HEALY transited the Arctic north of Russia, and later engaged with key Arctic partners such as Norway, Canada, Denmark, and Iceland. USCGC HEALY is one of two active polar icebreakers and is the Coast Guard’s only icebreaker designed specifically to support research in the Arctic. Watch here to learn more about their missions. (U.S. Coast Guard video by PA1 Travis Magee)