U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star

03/04/2026

02/13/2026

U.S. Coast Guard divers from regional dive lockers conduct an inspection of the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) in the challenging icy environment of the Ross Sea as part of Operation Deep Freeze 2026. Led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica provides crucial logistic support for the United States Antarctic Program, a mission the U.S. military has proudly supported since 1955. This year's operation also commemorates the Polar Star’s 50th year of service, highlighting its enduring legacy in one of the most demanding peacetime missions.

02/09/2026

02/06/2026

U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Andrew Padilla, command master chief aboard USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10), discusses engineering responsibilities during Operation Deep Freeze 2026. Every year, a joint and total force team works together to ensure the success of Operation Deep Freeze operations. Active, guard, and reserve service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy work together to forge a strong Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica that continues the proud tradition of U.S. military support to the United States Antarctic Program. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)

02/01/2026

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star cleared a path through the ice-covered Ross Sea for the motor vessel Stena Polaris to navigate on January 21, 2026. The M/V Stena Polaris is the largest tanker to arrive at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, operated by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The M/V Stena Polaris carries supplies to McMurdo Station personnel, along with Pacific Air Forces who are providing 24-hour continuous joint operational and logistical support to the NSF.

The U.S. Antarctic Program, which carries forward the nation’s goals of supporting the Antarctic Treaty, fosters cooperative research with other nations, protects the Antarctic environment and develops measures to ensure only equitable and wise use of resources.

01/23/2026

Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star responds to the cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II, assisting in freeing the ship from pack ice and the safety of the passengers aboard. The Scenic Eclipse II was beset in pack ice roughly eight nautical miles from McMurdo Sound when the Polar Star’s crew conducted two close passes to break the vessel free, then escorted it approximately four nautical miles to open water. On its 50th anniversary of service, the icebreaker remains always ready for the call, kicking off another season of Operation Deep Freeze.

“At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the world’s most capable non-nuclear icebreaker,” said Cmdr. Samuel Blase, the Polar Star’s executive officer. “That’s a testament to the crews that have maintained it over the decades. And with years of service left to give, Polar Star will continue to guide the way in the high latitudes well into the future.”

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01/20/2026