Ross Sea, Antarctica – On January 17, 2026, the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) provided critical support to an Australian-owned cruise ship, Scenic Eclipse II, which became trapped in ice in the Ross Sea.

The rescue occurred during Operation Deep Freeze 2026, a demanding U.S. military peacetime mission conducted in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

This operation coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Polar Star’s service, marking half a century since the cutter first entered active duty.

The Polar Star responded to the cruise ship’s request for assistance, navigating treacherous icy waters to ensure the safety of the vessel and its passengers.

Operation Deep Freeze missions test both crew endurance and ship capabilities due to extreme cold, shifting ice, and isolated conditions, underscoring the significance of this timely intervention.

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