According to a recent publication by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) has successfully returned to its home port in Seattle after an impressive 308-day mission at sea. This journey marks a significant milestone as it concludes a five-year service life extension aimed at ensuring the vessel’s operational readiness for future polar missions.
The aging icebreaker, which has been in service since 1976, recently completed its role in Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2025 before heading to Mare Island Dry Dock in Vallejo, California. Here, it underwent crucial upgrades as part of its Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), designed to keep it functional until new Polar Security Cutters are deployed.
Currently, Polar Star stands as the sole U.S. icebreaker capable of navigating McMurdo Sound each year—an essential task that supports the U.S. Antarctic Program and reinforces America’s strategic interests in Antarctica. As global focus on polar regions intensifies due to their scientific and security relevance, this capability becomes increasingly vital.
The extensive SLEP revitalized key systems aboard Polar Star including propulsion and navigation technologies. The final phase of this upgrade commenced on March 30, 2024, lasting for about six months with an investment of $12.7 million dedicated to various enhancements:
The culmination of these enhancements ensures that Polar Star remains fully equipped for demanding polar deployments—a testament to collaborative efforts among various Coast Guard engineering teams across multiple locations.
Captain Jeff Rasnake highlighted that completing this five-year SLEP is not just an achievement but a pivotal moment for the cutter’s legacy. At nearly half a century old and measuring 399 feet long with a weight of approximately 13,500 tons, Polar Star continues its reign as one of the most powerful non-nuclear icebreakers globally—boasting up to 75,000 shaft horsepower throughout its operational history while playing an integral role in supporting Antarctic research initiatives since the mission’s inception back in the ’50s through Joint Task Force – Support Forces Antarctica efforts.
