U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star marks 50 years of service, begins Operation Deep Freeze 2026

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/23/2026 03:30 PM EST

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U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area
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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star marks 50 years of service, begins Operation Deep Freeze 2026
01/23/2026 02:16 PM EST

SOUTHERN OCEAN — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) began icebreaking operations in the Southern Ocean in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2026 and marked its 50th year of commissioned service Saturday by freeing and escorting a cruise ship trapped in pack ice to open water.
USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) crew members observe an Australian-owned cruise ship that requested assistance, Jan. 17, 2026, during support to the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Operation Deep Freeze 2026. The U.S. National Science Foundation is the U.S. Government agency that promotes the progress of science, funds and manages the Antarctic Program. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)