U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker departs Seattle for months-long deployment to Antarctica

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 11/26/2025 07:00 PM EST

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U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker departs Seattle for months-long deployment to Antarctica
11/26/2025 06:12 PM EST

The USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) departed Seattle on Thursday commencing its 29th deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze.  Operation Deep Freeze is an annual joint military mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. Historic investment in the Big Beautiful Bill of nearly 25 billion, $9 billion of which is specifically for icebreakers and infrastructure in the high latitudes. This massive investment in icebreakers will secure U.S. access, security, and leadership in the polar regions. 
USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) is seen moored ahead of deploying for Operation Deep Freeze 2026, Seattle, Nov. 20, 2025. Operation Deep Freeze is a joint service, inter-agency support operation for the National Science Foundation, which manages the United States Antarctic Program. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Bokum)