USCGC Munro (WMSL 755) returned home after covering over 23,000 nautical miles in the Arctic. This vessel, as part of Operation Tundra Merlin, was monitoring the activities of Chinese research vessels in Arctic waters. This operation was conducted to uphold the security and sovereign rights of the United States in the region.
Monitoring Chinese Research Vessels
During this patrol, Munro monitored three research vessels flying the Chinese flag under Operation Frontier Sentinel. These vessels included Xue Long and Xue Long 2, which passed through the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and over the extensive continental shelf in the Bering Sea. According to international law, foreign vessels are permitted to transit these waters, but conducting marine scientific research in this area requires prior authorization from the United States.
Read more: Jones Walker Marine Law Group Ranked Nationally in 2026
Response to Threats and International Cooperation
The United States Coast Guard has emphasized that monitoring operations are conducted to ensure compliance with these laws and to prepare for potential unauthorized activities. In this mission, Munro also participated in Operation Tundra Merlin, which involved international cooperation with Canadian military forces to test communication systems and respond to threats in northern waters.
Captain Adam Disk, commander of Munro, stated, "The Arctic is a challenging marine environment that can test any crew and vessel." He added, "We also strengthened our enduring partnership with our Canadian counterparts and advanced coordination in this remote area."
The Coast Guard Command is experiencing more challenges due to the growing demand for operations in the Arctic, especially with a limited number of icebreakers. In September, the service confirmed that the medium icebreaker Healy would not be able to carry out its scheduled missions due to a serious engineering issue in July.
China's growing presence in the Arctic has also been highlighted as a focal point in these operations. Chinese research vessels have conducted significant activities in northern waters, necessitating increased monitoring by U.S. and Canadian authorities.
Ultimately, Munro also conducted monitoring patrols related to the fishing industry in the Bering Sea during this patrol, and inspection teams visited commercial fishing vessels to ensure compliance with safety regulations and fishing laws. This mission was aimed at protecting Alaska's commercial fishing industry, which is valued at approximately $6 billion.
Read more: Escalation of Iranian Attacks on Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz Before the U.S. Elections · China's Diesel Exports Increased by 39% in September
