USCG Cutter Polar Star Departs Antarctica Marking 49 Years of Operations

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star departed the Antarctic region Tuesday, March 4, after having spent 65 days south of the Antarctic Circle in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2025 the annual research and resupply mission. The Coast Guard highlights that the unique icebreaker celebrated its 49th year of operations after life extensions designed to keep the vessel operational until at least 2029 when the new icebreaker Polar Sentinel is scheduled to finally be completed.

Polar Star’s crew performed icebreaking duties in McMurdo Sound, clearing routes to ensure safe passage for cargo vessels for McMurdo Station and New Zealand’s Scott Base. Polar Star also conducted a crew exchange with the New Zealand Defense Force ship Aotearoa while it was operating in the region.

The annual mission was completed this week with the Polar Star departing McMurdo Station (USCG)

“The surface ice conditions in McMurdo Sound were abnormally light this year, a welcome change of pace from the extreme conditions experienced last year,” said Captain Jeff Rasnake, Polar Star’s commanding officer. “Operation Deep Freeze presented a number of challenges, beyond those inherent in maintaining and operating a 49-year-old ship to complete this arduous mission. We benefitted tremendously from a great deployment plan which allowed us to take advantage of favorable conditions and use the elements to stay ahead of events without pressing the cutter or crew excessively.”

Polar Star also worked with the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to support a secure and sustainable Southern Ocean. It was the first United States surface asset to support CCAMLR. The crew’s efforts to observe and monitor fishing and other activity on the high seas safeguarded resources and U.S. national interests in the Antarctic region.

The vessel and her crew have transited nearly 16,000 miles since departing its