Working Conditions Aboard the Cg-Polar-Star

The USCGC Polar Star, the United States' sole heavy icebreaker, made its way back to Seattle on Monday after a rigorous 105-day mission in Antarctica as part of Operation Deep Freeze. This annual operation supports the National Science Foundation, the leading entity behind the U.S. Antarctic Program, marking its 63rd year of service. Setting sail from Seattle on November 27, the Polar Star embarked on an arduous 11,200-nautical-mile journey to the icy continent. Upon reaching McMurdo Sound, the crew tackled 16.5 nautical miles of dense ice, with thicknesses spanning six to ten feet, to establish a crucial passageway to the ice pier at McMurdo Station, America's primary logistics hub in Antarctica. On January 30, the Polar Star played a pivotal role by escorting the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command-contracted container vessel Ocean Giant through the newly cleared channel. This operation facilitated the offloading of 499 containers, totaling an impressive 10 million pounds of supplies designed to sustain McMurdo Station, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, and other U.S. field camps for the upcoming year. However, the mission was fraught with challenges. Despite being a seasoned veteran at 43 years old, the Polar Star faced numerous engineering setbacks during its journey. Notably, one of the ship's electrical systems malfunctioned, leading to smoke damage within the switchboard, while one of its two water evaporators, crucial for generating potable water, also failed. The skilled crew managed to repair the electrical issues on board, and replacement parts for the evaporator were secured during a stop in Wellington, New Zealand. During ice-breaking maneuvers, the cutter encountered yet another obstacle when the centerline shaft seal ruptured, prompting water to seep into the vessel. Ice-breaking operations were temporarily halted as Coast Guard and Navy divers donned dry suits and gloves to perform emergency repairs in the frigid 30-degree water, allowing engineers to fix the seal from within. The successful completion of this challenging deployment highlights the Polar Star's resilience and the dedication of its crew as they navigate the frozen waters of Antarctica in service of scientific missions.

The USCGC Polar Star made its triumphant return to Seattle on March 10 at 11:45 PM, following a challenging mission that included a recent fire incident. The renowned icebreaker is now set to enter dry dock where it will undergo essential maintenance and upgrades in preparation for its upcoming missions next year. The vessel's captain has indicated that several systems on board are becoming outdated, with some components requiring manual fabrication as they are no longer available from commercial vendors. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Polar Star in maintaining its operational readiness in harsh environments.

On February 10, 2019, at approximately 9 p.m., a fire erupted in the incinerator room of the Coast Guard Cutter 'Polar Star,' impacting the vessel's 150-member crew as they navigated roughly 650 miles north of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Initial attempts to contain the blaze using four fire extinguishers were unsuccessful, prompting fire crews to engage in nearly two hours of intense firefighting efforts. Fortunately, the flames were ultimately confined to the incinerator housing. However, the firefighting water used to cool the exhaust pipe resulted in damage to several electrical systems and insulation within the vicinity. Plans for necessary repairs are already underway, ensuring that the 'Polar Star' is fully operational prior to its critical mission next year. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries among the crew, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Following the incident, the cutter returned to Wellington on February 17 and continued its voyage to Seattle, arriving there on February 22. For a detailed report accompanied by visuals, visit: https://coastguardnews.com/fire-breaks-out-on-coast-guard-cutter-polar-star-650-miles-north-of-antarctica/2019/02/28/