USCGC Polar Star’s (WAGB 10) operates near Ross Island in Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze 2026, Feb. 9, 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 ENS Madelyn Greene)