NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — A U.S. Coast Guard vessel based in Newport, R.I., is heading to Arctic waters.

The Coast Guard Cutter Juniper is scheduled to depart Thursday. It intends to travel about 2,300 miles to the northernmost region of the high Arctic.

The Juniper will conduct safety and security operations with naval and coast guard units from Denmark and Canada in a operation known as Operation Nanook

The cutter’s commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Caudle, said the mission provides an ‘‘ideal opportunity’’ to strengthen relationships with international partners.

The Coast Guard says the deployment will also provide valuable experience in responding to incidents in the ‘‘harsh Arctic environment.’’