A Coast Guard C-130 left Air Station Kodiak earlier this week for a flight to the North Pole. After collecting Coast Guard dignitaries and network news people, the plane stopped overnight in Barrow before flying the 1,200 miles to the North Pole. The United States, like Canada and Russia, is increasing its presence in the high arctic as receding ice opens up possibilities for shipping, fishing and oil and gas exploration. Rear Admiral Arthur Brooks, the commander of the 17th Coast Guard District in Alaska, said as soon as he took over a year and a half ago, he realized he would have to develop a plan for a Coast Guard presence in the Arctic Ocean, given the increase in ship traffic.
Jay Barrett, KMXT – Kodiak
