U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR

The Whiskey, Mike, Golf signal flags mean “icebreaker operations commencing- I will take the lead, follow me”
Heavy winds compressed ice at the entrance to Duluth and Superior Harbors this weekend-making a 1.5NM band of extremely difficult ice conditions for commerce. The SPAR crew took the lead…We move ships!

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR has had a very busy few days supporting , starting with breaking out Duluth Harbor again before heading out to Thunder Bay, ON. 🇨🇦

While in Thunder Bay, the crew battled incredibly difficult ice conditions to establish a safe track for commerce transiting the narrow Mission River. They also executed hands on training including Main Space Fire and Abandon Ship drills.

Following a successful day of ice breaking and drills, the crew enjoyed ice liberty with a one of-a-kind promotion. Congratulations to our new Electronics Technician First Class!🎖️💪



U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes

After some necessary maintenance, SPAR is back underway for ice breaking in support of !

Yesterday was a very successful day in breaking ice, helping ensure the safe and efficient flow of people and goods through the maritime transportation system.

SPAR had a very busy week this week, starting with a visit from the Great Lakes District Commander, Rear Admiral Dash, and CMC Mullins. Ending this week with a great day of training including Damage Control and Force Protection exercises, as well as awards for some of our crew!

We move ships! A very successful first week of here on CGC Spar with approximately 140 nautical miles of ice broken in Duluth Harbor alone. Keep an eye out for us as winter continues and feel free to send in pictures from the Duluth area!

SPAR and crew have been putting in the work on the Great Lakes during this year's Op FALL RETRIEVE. SPAR has sailed more than 2,000NM in three Great Lakes to service 81 buoys so far. The buoys are being swapped or taken out as the temperatures start to plunge...it's a race against the ice to maintain safe navigation!

NOTICE: This social media account will not be actively managed during the lapse in federal funding. We will not be able to respond or update until after funding is enacted. www.dhs.gov/blog

On SPAR’s last underway trip one member received his permanent cutterman pin, which is earned after serving five years aboard US Coast Guard cutters. SPAR also pinned several temporary cutterman, who have been on board for 1 year and are fully qualified. Bravo Zulu shipmates!

SPAR crew has been hard at work for the spring restore buoy run covering areas across Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior.

CGC SPAR freed the laker John J. Boland while they were stuck in a massive ice flow within Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior early this week. SPAR used special tactics for a direct assist to closely approach the vessel on all sides to successfully free them from the ice and es**rt them to safety.