U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker operations and science support in Antarctica

Abstract

ABSTRACT U.S. ships and sailors have contributed significantly to Antarctic exploration and research since the first land sightings of Antarctica in 1820. Since Operation High Jump in 1946–1947, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy have operated polar icebreakers in support of United States national interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. In the early years of continuous U.S. presence in Antarctica, they were critical to logistical support in the building of research stations at McMurdo, Wilkes Land, Cape Hallett, Gould Bay (Ellsworth), Marie Byrd Land (Byrd), and Palmer (Antarctic Peninsula). Their icebreaking capabilities have been key to the annual ice escort operations of supply ships in McMurdo Sound and other coastal stations. These icebreakers and their assigned aviation detachments have supported numerous U.S. and international research expeditions and projects in waters that had rarely been previously explored, expanding knowledge in all the natural sciences. U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers supported U.S. State Department Antarctic Treaty inspections for many years. Recently, the role of USCG icebreakers in Antarctic science research has diminished, both in number of projects assigned and areas deployed. A new class of U.S. Coast Guard polar icebreakers is in work, designated as polar security cutters, and it is hoped that these icebreakers will be able to continue supporting Antarctic science activities.