Imagery release: Coast Guard Polar icebreaker to return home following Antarctic mission

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/16/2017 01:40 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

March 16, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest
Contact: 13th District Public Affairs
Office: (206) 220-7237
After Hours: (206) 220-7237

Imagery release: Coast Guard Polar icebreaker to return home following Antarctic mission

 

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, with 75,000 horsepower and its 13,500-ton weight, is guided by its crew to break through Antarctic ice en route to the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station, Jan. 16, 2017. The ship, which was designed more than 40 years ago, remains the world's most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker. U.S. Coast Guard video by Chief Petty Officer David Mosley.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star poses for a photo on the frozen Ross Sea off of Antarctica, Jan. 11, 2017. The crew, operating as part of Operation Deep Freeze 2017, was deployed to perform Antarctic icebreaking operations to ensure the delivery of essential supplies to the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer David Mosley.

The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, with 75,000 horsepower and its 13,500-ton weight, is guided by its crew to break through Antarctic ice en route to the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station, Jan. 15, 2017. The ship, which was designed more than 40 years ago, remains the world's most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer David Mosley.

The crew of the motor vessel Ocean Giant lines up with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star as they prepare to be escorted to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station, Jan. 25, 2017. The Polar Star’s crew conducted a multi-hour escort, creating a safe and navigable path through the frozen Ross Sea to the station. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer David Mosley.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Garett Brada, a diver deployed aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, checks his dive gauges before a cold water ice dive off of McMurdo Station, Jan. 19, 2017. Divers bring the option of sub-surface support for the cutter's command, in the event repairs or inspections are needed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer David Mosley.

Editors note: Members of the press are invited to attend the Polar Star’s return to Seattle at Pier 66 Friday, March 17. Please arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. Media will have the opportunity to tour the cutter and interview Polar Star’s commanding officer at approximately 11:45 a.m. RSVP with Coast Guard District 13 Public Affairs at 206-220-7237 by 4 p.m. today to ensure access to the pier.

SEATTLE — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star is returning home Friday from an expedition to Antarctica where they supported Operation Deep Freeze 2017, the U.S. military’s component of the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program.

Polar Star’s crew facilitated the annual resupply and refueling of two research stations, McMurdo and Amundsen-Scott South Pole, by escorting two cargo vessels through more than 70 miles of thick Antarctic ice.

Polar Star required significant repairs in advance of the 107-day deployment, including a major overhaul of the ship’s power plant. Additionally, the 40-year-old cutter experienced numerous engineering and mechanical issues throughout the mission, testing the training and skills of the 150-person crew.

Polar Star made a scheduled port call in New Zealand after successfully completing operations in Antarctica. The crew also aided the New Zealand Defense Force and local rescue and safety personnel in their response to the Port Hills Wildfire in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Homeported in Seattle, the 399-foot long cutter weighs 13,500 tons, and uses 75,000 horsepower to muscle its way through ice up to 21-feet thick. Built in 1973 and commissioned in 1976, Polar Star is the world’s most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker. The cutter is also the United States’ only operational heavy icebreaker capable of conducting Antarctic resupply missions.

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