Since the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, the Coast Guard has been a leader in the exploration of the Arctic regions. On the first cruises in Alaskan waters, vessels of the United States Revenue Cutter Service carried geologists and surveyors who helped chart the new unexplored territory. John Muir joined the Revenue Cutter Corwin on its mission to the Arctic Sea in search of the missing Naval research vessel Jeanette. Today, Coast Guard icebreakers continue to carry scientific teams to the North Pole and Antarctica. That U. S. presence will become increasingly important as the international community begins to assess the economic potential of the Polar regions. Here the 399-foot icebreaker Star opens a channel into Greenland.
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