U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy conducted Ice Rescue Training in the Arctic Ocean! Crewmembers suited up to walk on the ice and practice rescue techniques in the event of an emergency in the cold Arctic waters. Ice rescue teams are maintained aboard icebreakers to ensure crew safety while operating in polar conditions, including on-ice scientific research evolutions. Members are taught self-rescues, allowing them to efficiently pull themselves out of the water, and several other techniques to pull others from the cold water. Ice rescue teams are used to gauge ice thickness to ensure safety of personnel before crewmembers can walk on the ice. There is also a polar bear watch ready for any hostile encouters with Arctic wildlife.

And the Healy has reached the Arctic for her Summer 2025 deployment!

Over the past few weeks, the crew of the Healy transited the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea to eventually reach the Arctic to conduct operational ice testing. These tests were essential to the Healy’s mission as they were able to test new engineering equipment and ensure all machinery operated within parameters before scientific research in the region is slated to begin.

During the transit, the crew honed their skills in many operations, including ice piloting, flooding drills, small boat operations, navigation proficiency, and engineering casualty exercises… with the occasional Arctic wildlife sighting. And we were fortunate enough to advance two petty officers at the beginning of July!

We even saw our shipmates aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro near Nome, Alaska.

Healy is staying busy and we’re looking forward to the rest of the deployment in the high latitudes! Stay tuned for more.

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area
Go Coast Guard
Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy crews are scheduled to offer public tours in Juneau, Alaska this Friday!

Guests will be able to tour and learn about the cutter’s missions and capabilities. Closed-toed shoes are required. All children must be accompanied by an adult and no pets are allowed aboard the cutter.