The Coast Guard has stationed two helicopters in Barrow in anticipation of increased activity in the Arctic.

The Coast Guard says two Kodiak-based MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters were stationed Monday at a seasonal forward operating location in Barrow. Support air, ground and communication crews also are in Barrow.

Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo says in a statement that the Barrow location allows the Coast Guard to react more quickly to an emergency in the Arctic because the closest base is 900 miles away, in Kodiak.