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

ANTARCTICA

01.15.2026

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum 

U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area

A USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) ice rescue crew member returns to the cutter after escorting a team of Coast Guard divers to a National Science Foundation Helicopter, Jan. 15, 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)

• Date Taken: 01.15.2026
• Date Posted: 01.30.2026 12:00
• Photo ID: 9499649
• VIRIN: 260115-G-FN033-1151
• Resolution: 8256x5504
• Size: 5.72 MB
• Location: AQ