News Analysis: The United States Coast Guard has created a very telling Chart: “MAJOR ICEBREAKERS OF THE WORLD”. It shows an absolute World Maritime Dominance by Russia in Numbers of Vessels and Variety of Power Plants Second to None.
One might ask: “If the United States Navy has so many Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, other ships, why were “Cold Sea” Vessels forgotten by the Pentagon?” Surely having Alaska as America’s 49th State should have compelled the question being asked, one might surmise. Additionally, when America’s vaunted Oil Companies knew about Arctic Ocean Mineral Possibilities (from their Prudhoe Bay experience) would not the Pentagon (or the Department of Homeland Security) be advised that Icebreakers might be needed?
Now, decades later, America, with its $17+ Trillion Dollars in Debt can ill-afford building new Ice Breakers. Assistance, if needed (by vessels stranded in the Northern Sea Route from Alaskan waters to Europe) can be provided by Russia.
The U.S. Coast Guard should have Icebreakers built to handle future needs in colder American Waters. Historically its Members are always up to ANY RUGGED TASK that may befall them. Now, can the Admirals in the Pentagon show a little foresight and Request Future Year Funding for New-Buildings for Icy Conditions Sailing in Northern Waters?
Presently America’s Military in the Pentagon is decades behind the Russians in Ice Breaker Technology (and Vessels) as well as in Foresight, some people say.
Reality.
Reference: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg552/images/130220%20Icebreaker%20Chart.pdf