Former Crew Member 1985-1986

MARK SIELAFF
Retired Chief

Sorry to see a multi-function ship decommissioned. The STORIS scadinavian name meaning (Great Ice) was the only ice breaking vessel stationed in Alaska.  The 235ft vessel was the only one of it's kind, built in 1939 and first of four to circumnavigate North America.

With a bouy tender deck and functions, law enforcement missions (vessel painted white), shallow draft and wide berth allowed it to get close to land but maintain stability in rough seas and bury in the ice when seas got too severe. The most important capability was its ice beaking capability.

Hopefully the Coast Guard was not too short sited by decommissioning the vessel without replacing it with another vessel with ice breaking capability. Being stationed in Alaska made it able to reach ice pack areas quickly. The M/V MONARCH that was trapped in ice pack when three crew members were washed overboard showed why having an ice breaker on scene was very necessary (made national TV).

I am sorry to see the queen of the fleet go.

Comments

[Kerry R. Copeland-Retired Chief]

Oh yes I do remember the great times aboard the USCGC Storis in 1984-1986. To date it was my first assignments in the Coast Guard. A very unique vessel that appeared to a phenomenon in terms of its capabilities of ice breaking. What I remember most about this vessell is its ability to handle extreme yet rough inclimate weather; very dependable. As one shipmate indicated I hope the Coast Guard is able to replace the CGC-Storis. I am saddened to this day that she is gone. That being said, it was both and honor and privilege to have served aboard such a fine vessel complimented with great officers and crewmember.