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
Admiral Robert J. Papp Jr. Commandant U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant's Perspective The Marine Safety & Security Council of the United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Frederick J. Kenney Judge Advocate General Chairman Mr. Jeff Lantz Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards Member Rear Admiral Peter J. Brown Assistant Commandant for Response Policy Member Rear Admiral Joseph Servidio Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy Member Rear Admiral Stephen Metruck Assistant Commandant for Resources, Chief Financial Officer Member Rear Admiral Steven Poulin Director for Governmental and Public Affairs Member Captain Jonathan Burton Director of Inspections and Compliance Member Mr. Craig Bennett Director of National Pollution Funds Center Member Captain Scott Smith (Acting) Director of Marine Transportation Systems Management Member Ms. Mary Landry Director of Incident Management and Preparedness Policy Member Commander Michael Cavallaro Executive Secretary Ms. Kathryn Sinniger Legal Advisor 4 by VICE ADMIRAL PETER V. NEFFENGER U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations I am honored to serve as the Flag sponsor for the Arctic edition of Proceedings. The past year has been historic in the region, and the Coast Guard is playing a major role in shaping the future. In May of this year, in Kiruna, Sweden, the Arctic Council shifted to four years of chairmanship in North America. Canada will chair the Arctic Council from 2013 to 2015, and the United States will chair it from 2015 to 2017. These tenures of chairmanship bring opportunities to improve maritime safety, security, and environmental sustainability across the region. Indeed, with more than one million adventure tourists visiting the region this year, we must take our responsibilities very seriously and learn from past lessons in other regions. An oil spill or sinking cruise ship would be much more challenging in the Arctic than elsewhere in the world. This past April, I had the unique privilege to lead a U.S. delegation to the North Pole with senior leaders from every Arctic nation. Hosted by the Secretary-General of the Russian Security Council, the trip enabled me to experience firsthand how other countries and indigenous people are carrying on day-to-day activities in this harsh and unforgiving environment. Moreover, there is no denying that the Arctic landscape is changing. September 2012 marked the lowest extent of sea ice the world has observed since satellite tracking began. This opening of the Arctic, at least seasonally, is presenting new opportunities for increased use of Arctic waterways for maritime activities such as shipping, energy exploration, and tourism. Given the scope of these challenges, it is impossible for one single agency, state, or nation to provide all solutions and resources. The United States is working with international, Native Alaskan, and other indigenous partners to leverage existing fora such as the Arctic Council and the International Maritime Organization for innovative and cost-effective solutions. Two important recent examples are the 2011 Arctic Search and Rescue Agreement and the 2013 Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Agreement. These international agreements, created under the Arctic Council, provide important response frameworks that rely on international cooperation to ensure Arctic nations have mechanisms in place to respond to potential emergency situations. On May 21, 2013, ADM Papp promulgated the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Strategy. This is the first regional strategy signed by a Commandant in the Coast Guard's long history of distinguished service in the region. The strategy outlines the Coast Guard's priorities over the next 10 years to ensure national success within the region. The strategy provides clear direction to Coast Guard members to utilize a "whole of society" approach to achieve a successful balance among commerce, environmental sustainability, and the traditional ways of living within the region. As the Coast Guard moves forward with our implementation of the new U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Strategy, I can't help but think of the service's motto "Semper Paratus," or "Always Ready." Successful implementation of the strategy will help ensure the Coast Guard remains true to its motto, while operating in this "emerging frontier." We are preparing today to ensure we are ready tomorrow. I hope you enjoy this historic edition of Proceedings. Proceedings Summer 2013 www.uscg.mil/proceedings