U.S. Coast Guard responds to Chinese research vessel in the Arctic
An HC-130J Hercules fixed wing aircraft from Air Station Kodiak flies over the Liberia-flagged Chinese research ship, Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di, over the delineated U.S. Extended Continental Shelf, approximately 230 miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska, Aug. 31, 2025. The Coast Guard is the only U.S. surface presence in the Arctic and works in conjunction with U.S. Northern Command and Alaskan Command to constantly monitor foreign vessels operating in and near U.S. waters in support of U.S. homeland defense and security operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)