Polar Star is the nation’s only active heavy icebreaker and has served as a cornerstone of U.S. presence in the polar regions for five decades.

The US Coast Guard said its heavy icebreaker Polar Star freed and escorted the Australian-owned cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II after the vessel became beset in pack ice in the Ross Sea near Antarctica, according to an official US Coast Guard statement near McMurdo Sound during the cutter’s 29th deployment to Antarctica, marking its 50th year of commissioned service

.The Operation of the rescue

The rescue came as Polar Star began icebreaking operations in the Southern Ocean in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2026, a mission that provides critical logistical support for the U.S. Antarctic Program managed by the National Science Foundation. The operation includes breaking a navigable channel through miles of dense Antarctic ice to allow fuel and cargo deliveries essential for sustaining research stations and operations.

The many challenges associated with getting this ship on mission

“I am constantly amazed at this crew’s tremendous energy and enthusiasm,” said Capt. Jeff Rasnake, Polar Star’s commanding officer. “Despite the many challenges associated with getting and keeping this ship on mission, they remain eternally positive and committed to meeting the high standards we’ve set for ourselves.”

Polar Star is the nation’s only active heavy icebreaker 

It is noteworthy that  Commissioned on January 17, 1976, Polar Star is the nation’s only active heavy icebreaker and has served as a cornerstone of U.S. presence in the polar regions for five decades. The cutter departed Seattle in November for the deployment. Throughout its service life, Polar Star has completed dozens of Operation Deep Freeze missions and numerous Arctic deployments, defending U.S. sovereignty, securing critical shipping lanes, protecting energy and mineral resources, and countering adversaries’ presence in the polar regions.Despite its age, the cutter continues to demonstrate unmatched heavy icebreaking capability, routinely operating in conditions few vessels can navigate.

Polar Star remains the world’s most capable non-nuclear icebreaker

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

The cutter recently completed a comprehensive five-year Service Life Extension Program, with the final phase wrapping up in September 2025 after 175 days at Mare Island Dry Dock in Vallejo, California. The $12.7 million investment recapitalized integral systems including propulsion, communication, and machinery control systems

The United States Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard is a federal maritime service with responsibilities spanning maritime safety, security and environmental protection. It operates the United States’ sole heavy polar icebreaker currently in service and conducts annual Antarctic missions in support of scientific and logistical operations. 

About :Scenic Group

Scenic Group is an Australia-based travel company operating river, ocean and expedition cruise brands. Its expedition division deploys purpose-built vessels on itineraries in remote regions, including polar waters subject to seasonal ice and weather constraints.

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Source : Agencies

#Scenic Group #United States Coast Guard #Polar Star#Cmdr. Samuel Blase #McMurdo #Scenic Eclipse II # Australian-owned cruise # U.S. Antarctic Program