USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) provides support to an Australian-owned cruise ship stuck in ice on cutter’s 50th birthday amid Operation Deep Freeze 2026 [Image 5 of 12]

ANTARCTICA

01.17.2026

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum 

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area

USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) transits alongside an Australian-owned cruise ship , Jan. 17, 2026 while supporting the U.S. Antarctic Program in Antarctica. The U.S. Antarctic Program, which carries forward the nation’s goals of supporting the Antarctic Treaty, fosters cooperative research with other nations, protects the Antarctic environment, and develops measures to ensure only equitable and wise use of resources. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)

• Date Taken: 01.17.2026
• Date Posted: 01.22.2026 16:51
• Photo ID: 9485707
• VIRIN: 260117-G-FN033-1005
• Resolution: 8256x5504
• Size: 8.92 MB
• Location: AQ