An Antarctica Service Medal ceremony is held for USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) crew members during Operation Deep Freeze 2026 as the cutter sits hove-to in the Ross Sea, Jan. 22, 2026. 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)