With commercial shipping and the exploration of oil and natural gas increasing in the Arctic due to the melting ice, Canada is not the only country that is planning on increasing and strengthening their presence in the region. The United States is also working on increasing the visibility of the Coast Guard in the Arctic, and is currently testing out operation strategies and equipment to ensure a safe Arctic, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen told the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 20th. more »