Capt. William Woityra relieved Capt. Gregory Stanclik as commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star during a scaled-back ceremony designed to support COVID-19 physical distancing practices, which was presided over by the Pacific Area Commander Vice Adm. Linda Fagan. Keep Reading
The Polar Star crew departed Seattle on Nov. 27, 2019, for their sixth deployment in as many years and traveled more than 26,350 miles through the North Pacific, South Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans. Keep Reading
The departure marks the Polar Star’s 23rd journey to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, an annual joint military service mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations. Keep Reading
The Offshore Patrol Cutter program, replacing the Medium Endurance Cutter fleet, would get $546 million; it "provides for construction of OPC #3 and Long Lead Time Materials for OPC #4." Keep Reading
The purpose of the inspection was to verify compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol, including provisions prohibiting military measures and mining, as well as provisions promoting safe station operation and sound environmental practices. Keep Reading
The Polar Security Cutter Program to replace the ailing Polar Star "did not start off with a sound business case," says GAO official, but Coast Guard "has signaled a commitment to gaining key knowledge before proceeding." Keep Reading
This year marks the Polar Star’s 23rd journey to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, an annual joint military service mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations. Keep Reading
Updated fitness equipment is critical to supporting the crew’s physical fitness and morale during their long deployments to the North Pole and Antarctica, and everywhere in between. Keep Reading
This is the cutter’s seventh deployment in as many years to directly support the resupply of McMurdo Station – the United States’ main logistics hub in Antarctica. Keep Reading
The Coast Guard is seeking to increase its icebreaking fleet with six new polar security cutters to ensure continued national presence and access to the Polar Regions. Keep Reading
Construction of the Polar Security Cutter could soar to $1,942,812,266 and be pushed to 2027 completion if included options are exercised. Keep Reading
Lawmakers, though, questions reductions in Trump's budget request including to "absolutely needed" cutter programs. Keep Reading
As in years past, getting the 43-year-old heavy icebreaker to Antarctica was accomplished despite a series of engineering calamities aboard the ship. Keep Reading
Official calls for "an independent, objective group to assess the maturity of each technology" being considered. Keep Reading
The 42-year-old icebreaker received extensive repairs and upgrades to engineering and electronic systems for the second time in as many years. Keep Reading
Russia "ready to use military force to secure political advantage" as other nations struggle to keep up. Keep Reading
The crew of the Polar Star overcame several engineering issues during their deployment to Antarctica including two instances that required some damage control efforts to contain. Keep Reading
Millions to keep Polar Star in service until next heavy icebreaker still puts U.S "right back to the status quo." Keep Reading
U.S. Coast Guard cutter created a resupply channel through 15 miles of Antarctic ice in the Ross Sea and escorted supply vessels to the continent. Keep Reading