The U.S. Coast Guard has been the sole operator and custodian of the nation’s polar icebreaking capability since 1965, providing assured access to both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) deploys annually to the Arctic, conducting missions that strengthen partnerships and project U.S. presence and sovereignty in the region. The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) deploys to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, an annual joint military... read more
The U.S. Coast Guard has been the sole operator and custodian of the nation’s polar icebreaking capability since 1965, providing assured access to both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) deploys annually to the Arctic, conducting missions that strengthen partnerships and project U.S. presence and sovereignty in the region. The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) deploys to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, an annual joint military mission to resupply U.S. Antarctic stations in coordination with the National Science Foundation, the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. The Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WAGB 21), a medium polar icebreaker commissioned in 2025, expands U.S. operational capacity to secure maritime dominance in the Arctic and will support Coast Guard missions while the service continues acquisition of additional medium and heavy polar icebreakers. show less
