My Coast Guard News

Wind-Class icebreaker Northwind breaking ice in the Antarctic in 1947 during Operation High Jump. This mission marked the first of many Coast Guard icebreaker assignments to Antarctica. (U.S. Coast Guard)

Aug. 8, 2025

Polar icebreaking—The short history of a BIG mission

Since the late 1800s, the U.S. Coast Guard has been essential to U.S. polar operations.

The future Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) Storis, the Service’s newest icebreaker, near Tampa, FL on December 10, 2024. The Coast Guard purchased the M/V Aiviq in November 2024 to bolster U.S. presence in the Arctic. The vessel will be renamed CGC Storis (WAGB 21) upon commissioning.

Dec. 23, 2024

Coast Guard adds first polar icebreaker to its fleet in 25 years

Newly acquired commercial icebreaker, future Coast Guard Cutter Storis, will bolster Arctic presence.

Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin Yoder poses with FN Peele while taking a break during law enforcement training at the Portsmouth, Va., shooting range.

Aug. 2, 2023

“An experience you’re not gonna get anywhere else.” — Why Petty Officer 1st Class Benjamin Yoder serves at sea  

I wanted a little direction and opportunity for adventure, so we drove 4 1/2 hours from Wyoming to the nearest recruiter — and here I am.

crewmembers harvesting hydroponic lettuce

March 14, 2022

Cutter Polar Star enjoys farm to galley produce, grown in the hangar

Experimental hydroponic garden on heavy icebreaker becomes new source of fresh vegetables at sea

Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star, a polar icebreaker, in drydock. Since the late 1970s, these 400-foot mammoths of the Coast Guard fleet, based in Seattle, Wash., have been traveling north and south for their primary mission of scientific and logistical support in both Polar Regions. Polar class icebreakers have a variety of missions while operating in polar regions. During Antarctic deployments, their primary missions include breaking a channel through the sea ice to resupply the McMurdo Research Station in the Ross Sea. Resupply ships using the channel to bring food, fuel, and other goods to make it through another winter. In addition, to these duties, Polar Star also serves as a scientific research platform with five laboratories and accommodations for up to 20 scientists. The "J"-shaped cranes and work areas near the stern and port side of ship give scientists the capability to do at-sea studies in the fields of geology, vulcanology, oceanography, sea-ice physics and other disciplines. U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO

Jan. 31, 2022

Maintaining the Polar Fleet: The Role of Maintenance Augmentation Teams

MATs helping to keep the cutter fleet operational

Gunner’s mates aboard Coast Guard Cutter Spencer shoot messenger lines to a disabled fishing vessel 100 miles off the coast of New York to bring the vessel in tow. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Katharine Ingham)

Nov. 18, 2021

Frontline Focus: Crew of Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returns home after a 33-day patrol and more.

Crew of Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returns home after a 33-day patrol; 17 mariners rescued in two days highlights importance of preparation, partnerships; America's only heavy icebreaker departs Seattle homeport; bound for Antarctica; and Coast Guard, partner agencies investigating cause of Southern California pipeline fracture.