The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star breaks ice in McMurdo Sound near Antarctica on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. The crew of the Seattle-based Polar Star was on deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2018, the U.S. military’s contribution to the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Nick Ameen.
By: FEDweek StaffThe cutter Polar Star, the Coast Guard’s last remaining, commissioned heavy icebreaker, arrived at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Jan. 22 for its annual resupply mission in support of the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program.
The voyage, which began when Polar Star left its home port of Seattle on Nov. 26, was the 23rd such trip. In recent years, the mission has taken significant toll on the 44-year-old ship.
Years at sea and smashing through ice, which shakes the hull and vibrates everything on board – including crew – have taken a toll. Several years ago, crewmen had to repair a faulty valve in the engine room that had malfunctioned in the severe Antarctic weather using the fiberglass from a surfboard repair kit one member had bought during a stopover in Hawaii.
“Replacing the Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet is paramount. Our ability to clear a channel and allow for the resupply of the United States’ Antarctic stations is essential for continued national presence and influence on the continent,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, commander of the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area.
The Polar Star is capable of traveling at 3 knots through 6.5 ft of solid ice.
Coast Guard leadership is looking forward to taking delivery of the next generation of Polar Security Cutters – PSCs (heavy ice breakers). VT Halter Marine, in Pascauoula, Miss., is currently working on the first of three new vessels (the contract valued up to $2 billion), scheduled to splash in 2024. Two more ships are scheduled for 2025, and 2027 – and Seattle is to remain the home port for the US Coast Guard’s PSC fleet.
