Proceedings magazine is a communication tool for the Coast Guard's Marine Safety & Security Council. Each quarterly magazine focuses on a specific theme of interest to the marine industry.
Issue link: https://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/149372
secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the Arctic: ■ ■ ■ improving awareness, modernizing governance, broadening partnerships. Improving Awareness Coast Guard operations require precise and ongoing awareness of activities in the maritime domain. Awareness enables threat identifcation, information sharing with front-line partners, and improved risk management. Improving awareness requires close collaboration within the Department of Homeland Security as well as with the Departments of State, Defense, Interior, Commerce, and other stakeholders including the intelligence community, to enhance integration, innovation, and feld emerging technologies. Modernizing Governance The concept of governance involves the institutions, authority structures, and capabilities necessary to provide maritime governance. The Coast Guard will work within its authorities to foster collective efforts and improve governance. In so doing, the Coast Guard will review its own institutions and governance regimes to prepare for future missions in the region. Broadening Partnerships Operating in the Arctic requires a collective effort among stakeholders. This objective includes domestic regulatory regimes; international collaborative fora such as the Arctic Council, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, and the United Nations' International Maritime Organization; and local engagements in Arctic communities focusing on training and assistance. Success in Arctic partnership also depends upon close intergovernmental cooperation to support national interests as the United States prepares to assume chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2015. Beyond these three strategic objectives, there are a number of additional factors that will position the Coast Guard for long-term success. These factors include building national awareness of the Arctic region and its opportunities, improving public/ private relationships, and identifying future requirements and resources to shape outcomes favorably. www.uscg.mil/proceedings Moving Forward As we implement the strategy, we will consider initiatives such as an Arctic policy board, which, under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, will bring the best minds in government, academia, and industry together to discuss Arctic policy. We will also consider an Arctic fusion center, Arctic center of expertise, and we will continue advocating for aggressive recapitalization of our offshore feet, which is essential for mobile command and control during the summer. Operating in the Arctic is not a new venture for the Coast Guard. However, adapting to changing conditions will require foresight, focus, and clear priorities. It will also require the closest of collaboration with our partners in Alaska. Improving awareness, modernizing governance, and broadening partnerships will best position our service for long-term success. Ultimately, the U.S. seeks an Arctic region that is stable and free of confict, where nations act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation, and where economic and energy resources are developed in a sustainable manner. Activity in the region must also respect the fragile environment and the interests and cultures of indigenous populations. The Coast Guard has a long and rich history of operating and providing national leadership in this challenging region. However, adapting to changing conditions requires the clear priorities and coordination articulated in the president's National Strategy for the Arctic Region. About the author: CAPT Jonathan Spaner is the director of the Coast Guard Offce of Emerging Policy, where he develops strategy for issues including the Arctic and Western Hemisphere affairs. CAPT Spaner has completed command tours and pilot ratings in the C-130 patrol plane, HH-60, and HH-65 helicopters. He also served as strategic policy advisor to the four-star general commanding war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. CAPT Spaner holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a distinguished graduate from U.S. Navy Pilot Training. He is a former fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and is also a former White House Fellow. For more information: The U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Strategy is available online: http://uscgproceedings.epubxp. com/i/145626 Summer 2013 Proceedings 9