The 22 passengers and crew of Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane 1703 stand for a group photo after successfully reaching the North Pole in 2008. As countries race to gain mineral rights to the Arctic Circle, the U.S. lags behind potential competitor Russia, which is better equipped to traverse the icy region. For instance, the U.S. Navy hasn't has tried to reach the North Pole in the last four years.
{}