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| Press Release | Date: March 28,2006 |
POLAR STAR RETURNS HOME FROM ANTARTIC DEPLOYMENT | |
| SEATTLE - The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star will return to Seattle today at 4:30 p.m., after a whirlwind two-month Antarctic deployment in support of the scientific community at McMurdo Station. The National Science Foundation contracted with the Russian icebreaker Krasin to break a re-supply channel into the science station this year, keeping the Polar Star on standby in Seattle in case it was needed. When the Krasin experienced mechanical problems, the 399-foot Polar Star was given 48 hours advance notice to get underway Jan. 20 with its 130-person crew. The Polar Star traveled 8,200 nautical miles non-stop arriving in Antarctica Feb. 13 to continue clearing a channel into McMurdo Station previously opened by the Krasin. This critical channel makes it possible for ships to to re-supply the National Science Foundation station with a year's supply of fuel, food and materials. The Polar Star also cleared a runway near McMurdo Station to allow cargo planes to fly into the outpost. For the past 50 years, Coast Guard icebreakers have deployed to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, where ships have broken through as much as 84 nautical miles of ice to produce a navigable shipping channel into McMurdo Station. Polar Star, which turned 30-years-old Jan. 17, was specifically designed for solo icebreaking in remote Polar Regions. As economic interest in the Polar Regions continues to grow, it will become increasingly important for the U.S. to conduct national security and search and rescue operations in this remote area. The purpose of the icebreaking program is to provide support to the scientific community. The Coast Guard is currently working with the National Academy of Sciences on an assessment of national polar icebreaking needs which should be completed in September. Funding authority for the nation's polar icebreaking program rests with the National Science Foundation. To view photos from the Polar Star's deployment click on the following link: | |
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