WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Office of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following letter from Sen. King applauding the U.S. Navy’s recently-released Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic. The publication represents a forward-thinking approach to achieving U.S. priorities in the Arctic, and stresses Maine’s critical strategic importance in the region. Today’s letter was addressed to Secretary of the Navy, Kenneth Braithwaite, Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, and Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David Berger.

“I write to commend the Department of the Navy for its commitment to U.S. national security in the Arctic region, underscored this week with your joint publication of A Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic,” wrote Senator King. “This report illustrates the Department’s attention to the future of American naval power in the High North and to the strategic significance of the Arctic region for the U.S. national interest Melting sea ice and a changing landscape bring with them challenges and opportunities—from national security to trade to energy and environmental protection. With forward-looking naval capabilities, the United States can be well positioned to foster cooperation and be an active leader on top of the world.”

“The strategic blueprint also emphasizes the state of Maine’s work to further U.S. leadership in the Arctic,” Senator King continued. “I am encouraged that the Navy recognizes the important steps Maine has taken to strengthen its relationships with Arctic nations and the Arctic economy. Indeed, Maine’s connections to other Arctic countries through the forest products sector, fisheries, shipping, and academia provide an innovative roadmap for relationship building with partners and allies. As we develop and modernize accessibility in the Arctic, Maine will continue to play a critical role in the region.”

As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Senate Arctic Caucus, Senator King is an advocate for Maine’s interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic region, and has worked in Washington to advance Maine’s leadership in the High North. Last year, Senator King pressed top military officials on their intentions in the Arctic and the danger of potential collaboration between China and Russia, and inquired about their plans to ensure that the U.S. keeps up with Russia and China’s hypersonic weapon capabilities. In 2019, Senator King introduced the Arctic Naval Focus Act of 2019 with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a bill that would direct the federal government to recognize the importance of the Arctic region to the United States’ national and economic security interests. He also invited Senator Sullivan on his monthly Inside Maine podcast to discuss U.S. military challenges and opportunities in the Arctic.

In July 2019, he spoke at the Woodrow Wilson International Center on the economic implications of increased activity in the Arctic. In May 2018, he joined University of New England students, faculty, researchers, and staff as well as leaders on North Atlantic and Arctic policy at the launch of the Institute for North Atlantic Studies of the University of New England (UNE NORTH). UNE NORTH is an initiative of the University of New England that aims to help the next generation of leaders further responsible stewardship and sustainable economic growth in the region. In 2015, Senator King traveled to Iceland, where he participated in the Arctic Circle Assembly Plenary Session, speaking to the national security, climate change, economic issues that make the region a significant policy priority for the U.S. In October 2016, Senator King joined Maine people and leaders from around the globe to attend the Arctic Council conference at the University of Southern Maine’s Portland Campus. He also visited Greenland on a 2015 fact-finding mission that focused on examining the environmental and security implications of the warming Arctic climate and traveled to Iqaluit, Canada to help usher in the United States’ chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

Senator King’s letter can be read in full HERE and below.

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The Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite

Secretary of the Navy

1000 Navy Pentagon, Room 4D652

Washington, D.C. 20350

Admiral Michael M. Gilday

Chief of Naval Operations

2000 Navy Pentagon

Washington, DC 20350-2000

General David H. Berger

Commandant of the Marine Corps

Headquarters, US Marine Corps

3000 Marine Corps, Pentagon

Washington, DC 20350-3000

Dear Secretary Braithwaite, Admiral Gilday, and General Berger,

I write to commend the Department of the Navy for its commitment to U.S. national security in the Arctic region, underscored this week with your joint publication of A Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic. This report illustrates the Department’s attention to the future of American naval power in the High North and to the strategic significance of the Arctic region for the U.S. national interest. Melting sea ice and a changing landscape bring with them challenges and opportunities—from national security to trade to energy and environmental protection. With forward-looking naval capabilities, the United States can be well positioned to foster cooperation and be an active leader on top of the world.

The strategic blueprint also emphasizes the state of Maine’s work to further U.S. leadership in the Arctic. I am encouraged that the Navy recognizes the important steps Maine has taken to strengthen its relationships with Arctic nations and the Arctic economy. Indeed, Maine’s connections to other Arctic countries through the forest products sector, fisheries, shipping, and academia provide an innovative roadmap for relationship building with partners and allies. As we develop and modernize accessibility in the Arctic, Maine will continue to play a critical role in the region 

I look forward to working with the Department of the Navy to implement the Arctic strategy outlined in your blueprint. As the Senate considers the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, I believe we must clearly establish the capabilities required to maintain our enhanced presence and build a more capable Arctic force. I welcome the Department’s insights on these matters as we move forward in the NDAA process.

Thank you again for your attention to the Arctic region and for your recognition of Maine’s significance to U.S. Arctic strategy.