USCG Cutter Healy monitoring Chinese research ships in the Arctic

The U. S. Coast Guard responded to two Chinese research vessels operating offshore Alaska from August 31 to September 2, 2025. The vessels, the Chinese-flagged JIDI and the Liberia-flagged Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di, were monitored approximately 265 and 230 miles north of Utqiagvik, respectively. As part of a broader strategic initiative, the Coast Guard deployed the Cutter Healy and an HC-130J Hercules aircraft to ensure security in U.

S. waters. The Arctic is increasingly recognized as a zone of strategic competition, which has led to intensified monitoring of foreign vessels. Rear Adm. Bob Little highlighted the critical need for additional icebreakers to safeguard U.

S. sovereignty in the region. The Coast Guard's Operation Frontier Sentinel is specifically designed to counter adversary activity in U. S. waters.

In August, the Coast Guard commissioned the Cutter Storis to enhance its presence in the Arctic and Bering Sea. This ongoing vigilance is crucial for maintaining national security interests in a region marked by foreign activity.