USCGC Polar Star Departs Seattle for 29th Antarctic Deployment in Support of Operation Deep Freeze

Historic Deployment Underway

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10), the nation's sole heavy icebreaker, departed its homeport of Seattle, Washington, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, embarking on its 29th deployment to Antarctica. This critical mission is in direct support of Operation Deep Freeze, the annual joint military operation dedicated to resupplying U.S. Antarctic research stations.

Operation Deep Freeze: A Vital Lifeline

Operation Deep Freeze is a long-standing and essential endeavor coordinated by the United States military to provide logistical and transportation support for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). The primary objective of the USCGC Polar Star's deployment is to forge a navigable channel through the formidable ice of the Ross Sea. This pathway is crucial for fuel and supply ships to reach McMurdo Station, the largest U.S. facility in Antarctica and the logistical hub for the nation's scientific activities on the continent. Without the Polar Star's icebreaking capabilities, these vital resupply efforts would be impossible, jeopardizing ongoing scientific research and the safety of personnel.

Capabilities of the Nation's Only Heavy Icebreaker

Commissioned in 1976, the USCGC Polar Star is a formidable vessel, measuring 399 feet in length, displacing 13,500 tons, and featuring a 34-foot draft. Despite nearing 50 years of age, it remains the world's most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker, capable of generating up to 75,000 shaft horsepower. Its robust design allows it to break through ice up to 21 feet thick by backing and ramming, and to continuously steam through 6 feet of ice at 3 knots. The ship's unique hull shape and powerful engines are specifically engineered to maximize icebreaking efficiency, ensuring access to the remote Antarctic stations.

Ensuring Continued Polar Presence

The continued operational readiness of the USCGC Polar Star is paramount for maintaining the United States' presence and scientific endeavors in the Antarctic. The vessel recently completed a comprehensive five-year Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), a significant investment aimed at extending its operational lifespan. This extensive maintenance and recapitalization effort ensures the Polar Star can continue its critical missions until new Polar Security Cutters (PSCs) are constructed and become operational, which is anticipated in the coming decade. Captain Jeff Rasnake, commanding officer of the Polar Star, has commended his crew's dedication, stating, 'Each year brings unique challenges, and I'm proud to say this crew has risen to meet them all.'