The Coast Guard could finally get the new heavy icebreaker it has been seeking for years. In its budget request for fiscal year 2021 (Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021), the Trump administration and Congress agreed to fund the vessel – known as the Polar Security Cutter. It would replace the 44-year-old Polar Star.
Additionally, the administration asked for $555 million to fund a second such ship, and plans are afoot to fund and build a third. Adm. Karl Schultz, the Coast Guard commandant, provided details of the plan during his 2020 State of the Coast Guard speech.
Polar Star, Ice Breaking Cutter, Arrives in Antarctica (1/30/2020)