U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Keith Ropella, commanding officer Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10), gives an interview to Japanese media in Yokosuka, Japan, March 12, 2024. Operation Deep Freeze is the annual logistical support mission provided by the Department of Defense to the National Science Foundation (NSF) managed by the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP). The Polar Star and crew contribute to this yearly effort through icebreaking to clear the channel for supply vessels. The Polar Star is a 399-foot heavy polar icebreaker commissioned; the six diesel and three gas turbine engines produce up to 75,000 horsepower. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Graves)