A USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) 38-foot Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) small boat returns to the cutter while in the Ross Sea during Operation Deep Freeze 2026, 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)