USCGC POLAR SEA

• Commissioning Date: USCGC POLAR SEA (WAGB-11) was commissioned on February 23, 1977, as one of two Polar-class icebreakers built for the United States Coast Guard. • Powerful Icebreaker: POLAR SEA is one of the world’s most powerful non-nuclear icebreakers, capable of breaking ice up to 21 feet thick by backing and ramming, and 6 feet thick at a continuous speed of 3 knots. • Sister Ship: Its sister ship is USCGC POLAR STAR (WAGB-10), both designed to support scientific research and resupply missions in the polar regions. • Scientific Research: POLAR SEA has supported numerous scientific missions, including Operation Deep Freeze, which resupplies U.S. research stations in Antarctica. • Historic Northwest Passage Transit: In 1994, POLAR SEA became the first American surface vessel to cross the Arctic Ocean and complete a transit of the Northwest Passage in a single season. • Three Propulsion Systems: The ship features a unique propulsion system with three shafts powered by either diesel-electric or gas turbine engines, providing flexibility and immense power. • Homeport: POLAR SEA has been homeported in Seattle, Washington, throughout its service life. • Decommissioning: POLAR SEA was placed in "commission, special" status in 2011 due to major engine failures, effectively removing her from active service, although she remains officially commissioned as of 2024. • International Collaboration: The vessel has participated in joint operations and exercises with the Canadian Coast Guard and other international partners in Arctic waters. • Legacy and Future: POLAR SEA’s hull and systems have been studied and considered for refit or as a model for the U.S. Coast Guard’s new heavy icebreaker program, the Polar Security Cutter.