As you embark upon reading this incredible edition, you’ll find a wide swath of goings-on across Alaska and its surrounding waters. It will guide you through a comprehensive understanding of the immense opportunity that remains here, alongside the certain challenges and complexity of life in the higher latitudes. For some, this is a return to a fond memory, and possibly a sense of pride, as you helped lay the groundwork for what we continue to build upon across this vast area. For others, this is a venture into the unknown, like so many of us who took that initial, exciting chance to explore, expand horizons, and challenge ourselves. Either way, please find a cultivated collection of stories, perspectives, thoughtful insights, and ideas in the pages ahead. They present a combination of immersive introduction to the region, critical mission support, and impressive accomplishment told in first responders’ and operators’ own voices. They highlight industry involvement and cooperation with strategic vision for the coming years as securing our borders and protecting our territorial integrity is paramount. These stories also highlight amazing personnel who serve and live selflessly, who embody the core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty throughout Alaska—our auxiliarists, reservists, active-duty, civilians, and our families.
I owe special thanks to former-district commander, Rear Adm. M. Dean, and former-chief of staff, Capt. John Cole, for the autonomy and encouragement to champion this mighty edition. Collectively, we are grateful for the support and engagement from our elected officials, our external partners at all levels, and the Alaskan citizens, the people of this wonderful land. Without the time and effort of our contributors, and their dedication to narrating this exciting story of Coast Guard life in the Arctic District, we would be unable to convey such a clear and collaborative story—thank you, authors! In fact, we had so many contributors we exceeded the allotment for print, meaning readers can enjoy more Arctic articles by navigating to: bit.ly/pro-exclusive.
Welcome aboard, readers, and please enjoy your Alaskan cruise.
Read the full digital edition online here: https://bit.ly/USCGProceedings
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