Media Advisory: Nation’s only heavy icebreaker to return home from Antarctic mission

News Release

Mar. 15, 2018 U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Public Affairs Office Office: (206) 220-7237 After Hours: (206) 251-3237

Media Advisory: Nation’s only heavy icebreaker to return home from Antarctic mission

 

Editor’s Note: Video of the Cutter Polar Star's operations are available by clicking the thumbnails above or clicking here and here. Photos from the cutter's operations by clicking the thumbnails above or clicking here.

 

SEATTLE — The crew aboard the United States’ only heavy icebreaker, Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, are scheduled to return home Friday to Seattle at 4 p.m. after supporting Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica, the U.S. military operation to resupply the U.S. Antarctic Program.

 

Who: The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star crew members

What: Return to homeport following a 107-day deployment

Where: Coast Guard Base Seattle, 1519 Alaskan Way S. Seattle, WA 98134

When: Friday, March 16 at 4 p.m.

 

*Media representatives interested in attending should contact the Coast Guard’s 13th District public affairs office at (206) 220-7237 or (206) 251-3237 and plan to be at Base Seattle by 3:30 p.m. To ensure access to Coast Guard Base Seattle, bring a government-issued photo ID, press credentials, proof of vehicle registration and insurance. 

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star overcame flooding and engine failure to accomplish their mission supporting Operation Deep Freeze. The crew supported the National Science Foundation (NSF) by cutting a resupply channel through 15 miles of Antarctic ice in the Ross Sea and escorting supply vessels to the continent.

The Polar Star crew departed Seattle Nov. 30, to assist in the annual delivery of operating supplies and fuel for NSF research stations in Antarctica. Operation Deep Freeze is the logistical support provided by the U.S. Armed Forces to the U.S. Antarctic Program.

Polar Star is homeported in Seattle and carries approximately 150 crewmembers, 1.5 million gallons of fuel and enough food stores to last one year in the ice should it be necessary. Polar Star is 399-feet long, 13,500 tons, 84-feet wide, has a 34-foot draft (same as an aircraft carrier), 75,000 horse power and nine engines (six diesels, three jet-turbines).  The ship can break continuously through six feet of ice and up to 21 feet of ice by backing and ramming. The 41-year-old cutter is expected to reach the end of its extended service life by 2023.

 

-USCG-