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Antarctica Bound for Operation Deep Freeze 2023

Crew members aboard the Coast Guard cutter Polar Star spent the last days of 2022 peeping penguins and navigating through pack ice in the Southern Ocean, as the United States' only heavy icebreaker conducts its annual mission for Operation Deep Freeze.  

A Coast Guard cutter sails in icy waters.
Icy Trail
The Coast Guard cutter Polar Star transits through pack ice in the Southern Ocean, Dec. 28, 2022, while en route to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze.
Credit: Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Aidan Cooney
VIRIN: 221228-G-SL960-0011R
Seven penguins slide on their bellies on pack ice.
Emperor Penguins
Emperor penguins slide away from the Coast Guard cutter Polar Star as it transits pack ice in the Southern Ocean, Dec. 27, 2022.
Credit: Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Aidan Cooney
VIRIN: 221227-G-SL960-0008Y

The operation is a joint military mission to resupply the nation's Antarctic stations in support of the National Science Foundation, the lead agency for the U.S. Antarctic Program.

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The Polar Star plays a key role in Deep Freeze, breaking a navigable channel through miles of ice up to 21 feet thick to allow fuel and supply ships to reach McMurdo Station, the U.S. Antarctic Program's logistics hub and largest station.

McMurdo Station sign stands in Arctic landscape.
McMurdo Station
McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Oct. 23, 2019.
Credit: Army Sgt. 1st Class Peter Yokel
VIRIN: 191023-A-OM702-1002W

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