🇺🇸 City of Nome hosts acting commandant of the Coast Guard

Nome, Alaska – As national security and geopolitics demand greater United States presence in the Arctic, Nome is on the forefront of shaping the region’s future as one of Alaska’s most strategically important communities. The Port of Nome, the Nation’s first deep draft port is poised to serve as an economic pillar for the region, advancing and supporting scientific research, national security, fisheries, maritime safety and Arctic tourism.

On Saturday, August 9, the Mayor of Nome John Handeland, Port Director Joy Baker, and City Manager Lee Smith, along with elected leaders of Nome hosted the Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard Kevin Lunday, Rear Admiral Bob Little, Commander of the USCG Alaska District, along with Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Jimmy Patronis (R-FL). Rep Ezell serves as Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the authorizing committee of the United States Coast Guard.

”We came to meet with leaders here and observe Coast Guard cutter and aviation operations and military training offshore,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard.  “Our visit reinforced Nome’s strategic role as an Arctic port and part of the U.S. northern border.“

“As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, it was an honor to join the Mayor of Nome, the Port Director, and the City Manager to see firsthand the Port of Nome’s vital role in Arctic operations. This port is critical to our national security, commerce, and the Coast Guard’s mission in the region, and I’m committed to supporting the infrastructure and partnerships needed to keep it strong” said Chairman Mike Ezell.

“We are honored to welcome Acting Commandant Lunday, and Representatives Ezell and Patronis to Nome. The City of Nome stands ready to protect the Nation’s interest in the Arctic. I want to thank Senator Dan Sullivan, Senator Murkowski, and Representative Nick Begich for securing these important leadership visits to advance our Nation’s Arctic deep draft port” said Mayor John Handeland.

Joining City leadership in a round table discussion was Larry Pederson, Vice President of Nome Operations for Bering Strait Native Corporation; Darlene Trigg, Vice President of Operations, Kawerak Inc.; Brandon Ahmasuk, Vice President of Natural Resources, Kawerak Inc.; Anna Rose MacArthur, Marine Advocate for Kawerak Inc.; and Gay Sheffield, Marine Advisory Program Agent, UAF SeaGrant Alaska.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District is actively reviewing proposals to construct Phase 1A of the Port of Nome Modification Project, known as the Arctic Deep Draft Port at Nome.  This portion of the project will construct a 1,200-ft Causeway extension with a 600-ft dock, initiating development of this critical maritime infrastructure project in the U.S Arctic.

The Port of Nome will serve as the export site for the Graphite One mine, located on the north side of the Kigluwait Mountains. The Department of Defense awarded Graphite One a $37.5 million grant to develop the graphite mine site under the Defense Production Act.  On March 20, 2025, President Trump enacted an Executive Order, “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production” to develop the domestic critical minerals supply chain.”

About the City of Nome:

Located on Alaska’s Bering Sea coast, Nome is a center for Arctic transportation, research, and community resilience. With a rich Indigenous heritage and a growing role in global affairs, Nome is helping lead Alaska—and the nation—into the future of the Arctic.

Media Contact: Megan Onders, Public Information Officer, City of Nome 907-304-3111

Originally published on 11 August by City of Nome.

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