President Obama is using this week’s Alaska trip to urge action on what’s been a low U.S. priority, building or acquiring new heavy duty U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers capable of year-round operations in the high Arctic. “The growth of human activity in the Arctic region will require highly engaged stewardship to maintain the open seas necessary for global commerce and scientific research, allow for search and rescue activities and provide for regional peace and stability,” the White House said in a statement.