17th District

• Origins in World War II: The 17th District was originally formed during World War II as part of a broader reorganization of military defense sectors in response to global conflict. • Alaska Operations: The U.S. Coast Guard’s 17th District, headquartered in Juneau, Alaska, is responsible for the largest area of any Coast Guard district, overseeing more than 3.8 million square miles. • Strategic Arctic Role: The unit plays a crucial role in Arctic operations, including icebreaking missions, search and rescue, and environmental protection as the Arctic becomes more navigable. • Japanese Submarine Threats: During World War II, the 17th District helped coordinate defenses against Japanese submarines operating off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. • Operation Deep Freeze Support: The district has supported missions like Operation Deep Freeze, providing logistical support to Antarctic research expeditions. • Rescue Missions: The 17th District is renowned for daring rescue operations in some of the world’s harshest weather conditions, saving hundreds of lives annually. • Oil Spill Response: The district was vital in responding to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, coordinating one of the largest environmental cleanups in U.S. history. • International Cooperation: The unit regularly works with Canadian, Russian, and other international agencies to ensure maritime safety and enforce fishing regulations in the Bering Sea. • Innovative Technology: The 17th District was among the first to deploy unmanned aerial systems (drones) for Arctic surveillance and search and rescue missions. • Indigenous Partnerships: The district engages with Alaska Native communities, offering safety training and collaborating on subsistence activity monitoring and environmental stewardship.