Coast Guard Operation Arctic Shield 2016 has concluded as seasonal Coast Guard crews departed Kotzebue on Monday.
Since moving into the Kotzebue National Guard hangar at the beginning of the summer, aircrews stationed in Kotzebue responded to 22 cases, saving six lives and assisting five others.
Arctic Shield entails the annual seasonal operation of three bases around the state to more efficiently help distressed mariners during the peak fishing season and busy summer months.
In addition to search and rescue, forward operating locations partake in maritime domain awareness, community relations, and scientific research support. This summer, they participated in the Arctic Chinook drill to prepare for increased ship traffic in the Bering Sea.
After the winter is over, the Coast Guard is expected to return to Kotzebue in Summer 2017.
