USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) dispatches ice rescue team for a joint mission with the National Science Foundation during Operation Deep Freeze 2026 [Image 11 of 12]

ANTARCTICA

01.15.2026

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum 

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area

USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) ice rescue crew members return to the cutter as it sits hove-to in the Ross Sea amid Operation Deep Freeze 2026, Jan. 15, 2026. Operation Deep Freeze is one of the more challenging U.S. military peacetime missions due to the harsh environment in which it is conducted, and this year also commemorates the Polar Star’s 50th year of service. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)

• Date Taken: 01.15.2026
• Date Posted: 01.30.2026 12:00
• Photo ID: 9499625
• VIRIN: 260115-G-FN033-7055
• Resolution: 4687x3125
• Size: 2.21 MB
• Location: AQ