During a tour of the Stratton Air National Guard Base on Sunday, U.S. Sen. Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand stressed the importance of the country's continued presence on the Earth's North and South Poles for scientific research and national security. In addition to being at the center of questions concerning its leader's relationship with President Donald Trump, Russia also has had an ever increasing presence in the arctic regions — which has concerned some countries that work together and have maintained peaceful scientific study. Work in these regions includes impacts of global warming, marine life study and meteorite study to learn about other planets. The aircraft play a crucial role, as they can carry large amounts of supplies and people and are specially designed to land on unprepared ice and snow. Trump faces heightened scrutiny over his ties to Russia following the resignation of his national security advisor, Michael Flynn, due to Flynn's contact with Russian officials prior to Trump taking office.