The editorial “Break the ice on Arctic policy” [Opinion, Sept. 16] rightly castigated our nation for its failure to prepare for a warming Arctic. One of The Times’ comments was about the lack of icebreakers.
We should install new engines and electronics into the Polar Sea like its twin, the Polar Star, and get this very adequate, “heavy class” icebreaker back in service. It sits in Seattle now, saved from scrap by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. The cost would be minimal compared to the estimates for a new ship.
Or, lease it to a marine-minded local billionaire who would get the work done pronto and could lease it back to the Coast Guard. There is no excuse for owning Alaska yet possessing only a couple ships for a suitable fleet.
Mike Burbridge, Redmond