Ross Sea, Antarctica – On January 15, 2026, USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) held position in the ice-covered Ross Sea while a National Science Foundation helicopter landed on the ice to escort a team of divers from the U.S. Coast Guard Regional Dive Locker Pacific to Antarctica.

The operation required careful coordination in harsh Antarctic conditions, demonstrating the challenges of supporting scientific missions in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

This mission is part of Operation Deep Freeze 2026, commemorating the 50th year of Polar Star’s service. The operation reflects the U.S. commitment to enabling scientific research in Antarctica and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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