10 Proceedings Fall 2025 consistent funding, offers the most sustainable path for- ward to support Nome’s expanding operational role. Strategic Logistics and National Defense Considerations As Arctic maritime activity increases, driven by com- mercial shipping and rising foreign naval presence, the United States must strengthen its ability to project power and sustain operations in the region. An expanded Port of Nome will support forward deployment of the Coast Guard’s current fleet of cutters and future Polar/Arctic Security Cutters, reducing reliance on distant ports like Dutch Harbor and easing the logistical burden of Arctic operations. The port expansion is a strategic milestone for U.S. Arctic operations, advancing economic development, environmental stewardship, and national security. As Arctic activity continues to grow, Nome is positioned to become a critical hub for forward-deployed assets, maritime oversight, and regional logistics. More than a port upgrade, it is a foundational step toward stronger domain awareness, resilience, and long-term American leadership in the far north. As of February 2025, the project is temporarily paused after all bids for the first construction phase exceeded federal cost limits. Despite the setback, the $662 mil- lion project remains a national priority for completion. Federal, state, and local partners are reassessing funding and logistics to restart progress. Completing this effort will require sustained coordination, investment, and interagency collaboration to secure the Arctic’s future. Editor’s note: This article is based on a research paper developed during a Coast Guard-sponsored Waterways Management Industry Training internship hosted by the Arctic Domain Awareness Center. The center is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technol- ogy Office of University Programs Center of Excellence, hosted by the University of Alaska Anchorage. It supports the U.S. Coast Guard and other DHS missions by developing innovative tools, technologies, and knowledge products to enhance Arctic homeland security. Jeffrey Libby, MS, ADAC Executive Director, UAA; Jereme Altendorf, Assoc. Director for Arctic Programs & Strategy Implementation, UAA; and Leanne Lusk, MBA, ADAC Federal Research Projects Director, UAA also contributed to this paper. The views and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. About the author: Petty Officer 1st Class Billy Lemos, a marine science technician, is an active-duty Coast Guard member with 17 years of service across the nation, including Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, and Alaska. He has conducted missions in maritime safety and security, while special- izing in environmental response. Assessment, and they underscore the need for proac- tive planning under frameworks like the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90). While OPA90 mandates strict spill response standards, many areas within the Western Alaska Captain of the Port Zone continue to rely on alter- native planning criteria’s due to the region’s operational constraints. Existing response hubs are sparse and often unmanned, with response vessels potentially requir- ing up to 72 hours to reach an incident site. The Nome expansion helps to close this readiness gap by offering a realistic staging location for oil spill assets and expand- ing the potential for industry partnerships, regulatory collaboration, and future investments in spill prevention and recovery infrastructure across the Arctic domain. Advancing Arctic Search and Rescue Capabilities As Arctic cruise tourism and commercial shipping grow, the need for robust search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, especially for mass rescue operations (MRO), is becoming an increasingly urgent matter. In 2023 and 2024, Nome saw a rise in cruise ship visits with each of these averag- ing nearly 500 passengers and crew, and some vessels carrying more than 1,700 people. This trend is expected to accelerate after the port expansion, heightening the risk of large-scale SAR events in a region currently with limited response capacity. Nome’s port expansion offers a chance to forward deploy SAR assets such as life rafts or mobile shelters for cruise evacuations that are similar to the Air National Guard’s Arctic Sustainment Packages (ASPs). Although meant for stranded military personnel and designed to support only 26 people each, ASPs could be adapted for MROs. To bridge the gap, investment in developing Coast Guard specific sustainment kits would greatly complement survival equipment carried by cruise ships. Expanded infrastructure would also reduce response times through improved staging and operational effi- ciency for Coast Guard cutters and aircraft. Operational Challenges and Strategic Mitigation Nome’s dependence on seasonal deliveries poses major challenges for sustained Coast Guard operations. The short maritime weather window requires careful pre- positioning of aviation fuel, spare parts, food, and medi- cal supplies to prevent logistical disruptions. This is especially important during late-season surges or severe weather events, as seen in the 2012 diesel shortage that required Coast Guard and Congressional intervention. Long-term homeporting of cutters, aircraft, or person- nel would also necessitate major upgrades in housing, healthcare, and maintenance infrastructure. Given the limited success of similar efforts elsewhere, a cau- tious, flexible approach is advisable. A scalable seasonal presence, supported by robust logistics planning and
