The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star departed McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, on March 1 after completing its annual Operation Deep Freeze deployment, concluding 55 days of operations below the Antarctic Circle and roughly 14,000 miles traveled in support of the National Science Foundation’s U.S. Antarctic Program.
During the mission, the 399'x84' heavy polar icebreaker established a seven-mile channel through Antarctic ice to Winter Quarters Bay, enabling resupply vessels to reach McMurdo Station. The cutter escorted the 600’ tanker Stena Polaris, allowing delivery of more than 6 million gals. of fuel to the research station.
While operating in Antarctic waters, Polar Star marked its 50th year of commissioned service on Jan. 17 while assisting the Australian-owned cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II, which had become trapped in pack ice about eight nautical miles from McMurdo Station. The icebreaker conducted two passes to free the vessel during a six-hour evolution before escorting it roughly four nautical miles to open water.
The cutter later moored at McMurdo Station for five days in late January, where crew members helped load 300,000 gals. of fuel.
Polar Star also worked with the National Science Foundation to remove the 4,200-ton floating ice pier from Winter Quarters Bay and tow it into McMurdo Sound. The move cleared the bay so the cargo vessel Plantijngracht could conduct cargo operations using a U.S. Army Modular Causeway System. The vessel required an escort from Polar Star to reach protected waters through shifting ice.
After cargo operations concluded, the icebreaker completed its fifth escort of the season, guiding the tug Rachel through late-season pack ice to deliver the new NSF Discovery Pier to McMurdo Station.
“The delivery of the new NSF Discovery Pier is a landmark achievement that will significantly enhance the logistical support for the U.S. Antarctic Program for years to come,” said Cmdr. Samuel Blase, the Polar Star’s executive officer. “This multi-year effort culminated this year with the remarkable trek of the pier from Oregon to the McMurdo Sound, and teamwork between the Coast Guard, National Science Foundation, U.S. Navy Seabees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the New Zealand Antarctic Program, and tug Rachel for its installation.”
Capt. Jeff Rasnake, commanding officer of Polar Star, said the crew remained focused through the demanding mission.
“I am so proud of how this crew, once again brought their best energy and worked together through every single challenge this year’s mission presented,” Rasnake said. “Despite the heavy toll Operation Deep Freeze exacts on each individual, mentally and physically, our spirits remain high as we point our compass north and start our journey home.”
