Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today commended the successful effort by the U.S. Coast Guard to bring the first-ever winter fuel delivery by sea to Western Alaska. The Coast Guard Cutter Healy was rerouted to assist the Russian tanker Renda's transit by breaking ice along the nearly 300 mile route from the ice edge to Nome.

“The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy performed capably and with great skill under extreme conditions,” Governor Parnell said. “Thanks to the Coast Guard, residents in Nome will avoid facing a fuel shortage that would have resulted in financial hardship for many families and businesses. Alaska is proud of the continued professionalism and commitment of the men and women serving in the Coast Guard. Thank you for a job well done.”

Governor Parnell also recognized the Department of Homeland Security for expediting a waiver of the Jones Act requirements. The waiver was necessary for the foreign-flagged Renda to make the fuel delivery.

Some 1.5 million gallons of petroleum products were delivered to Nome this week.

The governor also wished the crews of the Renda and the Coast Guard Cutter Healy a safe journey home.