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 7 of 12]
USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) crew members observe as the cutter responds to a request for assistance from an Australian-owned cruise ship stuck in the Ross Sea amid Operation Deep Freeze 2026, Jan. 17, 2026. The U.S. military's support of U.S. Antarctic research began in 1955. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command proudly continues to lead the Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica team in providing logistic support for the United States Antarctic Program. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)