The United States has introduced its first new polar icebreaker in more than a quarter of a century — the USCGC Storis — aimed at strengthening American presence in the Arctic amid growing competition from Russia and China, Miami Herald reports. The vessel is equipped with upgraded communications systems, self-defense capabilities, and a crew made up of both civilian and military personnel. This move comes as melting glaciers open access to new resources and shipping routes, intensifying geopolitical rivalry over control of the Arctic region.