Coast Guard Cutters Tampa (WMEC 902) and Forward (WMEC 911) operate in close proximity while underway in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, March 3, 2026. Both cutters deployed in support Operation Pacific Viper to keep American communities safe from the threat of illegal narcotics. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Bolanos)
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Coast Guard crews continue ice-breaking operations for Sector Northern Great Lakes’ Operation Taconite on the upper Great Lakes and St. Marys River between March 29-31 in support of the Great Lakes commercial shipping season.
In accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations 165.901, the Captain of the Port Northern Great Lakes opened the waters separating Mackinac Island and St. Ignace, Michigan, March 19, 2026.
In accordance with 33 Code of Federal Regulations 162.117, the
Coast Guard is set to reopen multiple regulated waterways in the northern Great Lakes beginning
on March 19, 2026.
The Coast Guard, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, the City of Buffalo, and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Miliary Park have
established a Unified Command at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, to coordinate response
operations addressing environmental concerns at Naval Park.
