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Article: Icebreakers - on thin ice; It is a priority to shore up the old US fleet as research demands grow, scientists say.(USA)
- Article from:
- The Christian Science Monitor
- Article date:
- December 29, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 The Christian Science Publishing Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Peter N. Spotts Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
When it comes to projecting power or protecting America's national interest, icebreakers don't top the list of most-intimidating ships.
But they play a key, if undervalued, role, according to a group of scientists, engineers, and shipping experts. Yet the US fleet, already tiny by global standards, is limping - barely able to meet its current commitments.
As a result, the group is calling for changes in the way the US's three "heavy" icebreakers - capable of resupplying US research bases in Antarctica and keeping shipping lanes open in the Arctic - are funded and used. The ...