USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) escorts motor vessel Stena Polaris through the ice-covered Ross Sea to McMurdo Station during Operation Deep Freeze 2026 [Image 1 of 18]
Motor vessel Stena Polaris looms off the port-quarter of USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) for an escort through the ice-covered Ross Sea to McMurdo Station during Operation Deep Freeze 2026, Jan. 21, 2026. Every year, a joint and total force team works together to ensure successful Operation Deep Freeze operations. Active, Guard, and Reserve service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy work together to forge a strong JTF-SFA that continues the proud tradition of U.S. military support to the United States Antarctic Program. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)