Newhouse Applauds Decision to Maintain Seattle Homeport for Polar Security Cutter Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after Admiral Schultz of the United States Coast Guard announced the newest Polar Security Cutters will remain homeported in Seattle:

"The Polar Security Cutter program will ensure the United States remains operational against our adversaries in the North and South Poles who continue to provoke national and global security tensions," said Rep. Newhouse. "As a Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I have worked with my colleagues to bolster our nation's security needs. The USCGC Polar Star and USCGC Healy currently serve as America's first line of defense in both the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, and they are in desperate need of updating and revitalization. Seattle has been the home of the icebreaking fleet since the 1970s, and I am proud that Washington state will continue to play this critical role in our nation's defense strategy."

Background:

Rep. Newhouse serves on the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, which is responsible for funding many of our national defense priorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard is the nation's lead agency responsible for providing assured surface access in the polar regions. Since 1976, Seattle has served as the homeport for the heavy and medium icebreakers, when the USCGC Polar Star and USCGC Polar Sea were commissioned. The USCGC Healy was commissioned in 1999.

The addition of the Polar Security Cutters in Seattle will support the United States' ability to conduct national missions, respond to critical events, and project American presence in the high latitudes.

The Coast Guard conducted a detailed analysis to identify locations that could accommodate the Polar Security Cutter. Based on operational and logistical needs, Seattle was determined to be the appropriate homeport for the first three Polar Security Cutters.