Ross Sea, Antarctica – On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) guided the motor vessel Stena Polaris, the largest fuel tanker ever to reach McMurdo Station, through the ice-covered Ross Sea.

Polar Star created a safe channel through dense sea ice, allowing the tanker to deliver vital fuel for ongoing operations at the station. The mission underscores the extreme conditions faced by personnel in Antarctica and the precision required for successful navigation through the frozen waters.

This operation is part of Operation Deep Freeze 2026, a challenging U.S. military peacetime mission supporting scientific research. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Polar Star’s service, highlighting its enduring role in Antarctic logistics and emergency response.

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