In their annual visit to Nome this week, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley will be coming ashore for roughly three days. The City of Nome announced they have given permission for the Coast Guard vessel to enjoy Nome and the surrounding area.

According to a statement from the city yesterday, all crewmembers of the Alex Haley have been tested for COVID-19 and the ship has been at sea longer than 14 days, which meets the city’s quarantine requirements for travelers.

The announcement says the City of Nome has developed a protection plan with the Coast Guard to prioritize the health of Nome residents and USCG crew-members. However the city did not release specific details about the COVID-19 plan.

Alex Haley is expected to arrive into Nome tomorrow and remain in the area through Sunday.

The Coast Guard maintains a seasonal presence in the Bering Strait region in order to monitor the maritime boundary between the U.S. and Russia, conduct search and rescue missions in the area as needed, and sometimes support research missions with other agencies.

If you have any questions about the nature of Alex Haley’s visit to Nome and the region, contact City Manager Glenn Steckman at 443-6600.

Image at top: The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley is pictured before a Bering Sea patrol embarked with a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-66 Dolphin helicopter on the stern of the cutter. (Photo from U.S. Coast Guard, 2018)