Polar Star Goes Into Dry Dock After 147-Day Antarctic Deployment
Polar Star, the nation’s only heavy icebreaker, returned from its 147-day mission is support of the U.S Antarctic Program, and other national interests in Antarctica and the Southern Hemisphere, going directly into dry dock at Vallejo, California, rather than its Seattle homeport.
Work began on phase two of a five-year, $75 million Service Life Extension Program in early April. The Coast Guard is replacing antiquated technology to ensure the longevity of the operational heavy icebreaker while in drydock this year, supporting the Coast Guard’s enduring commitment to Antarctic operations.
The 140-member Polar Star crew departed Seattle on Nov. 13, 2021 for the cutter’s 25th Operation Deep Freeze deployment and traveled 24,300 nautical miles to Antarctica and back.
Coast Gua...