The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew departed the Antarctic region Tuesday, after 65 days south of the Antarctic Circle in support of Operation Deep Freeze 2025. The crew transited nearly 16,000 miles since departing its Seattle homeport in November with stops in Honolulu, Sydney, and McMurdo Station.

For 28 years, the U.S. Coast Guard has enabled America’s enduring presence in the world’s most remote and challenging environment: Antarctica. Each year, the Polar Star participates in Operation Deep Freeze, crushing a path through ice up to 21 feet thick to allow for resupply of McMurdo Station, America’s largest outpost in the Antarctic region.

Polar Star celebrated its 49th year of Service to the Nation and visited Cape Polar Star in the northern part of the Ross Sea. Cape Polar Star was named after Polar Star for the scientific support provided by the cutter in the area during Operation Deep Freeze 86.

The Polar Star is the United States’ only asset capable of providing access to both Polar Regions. The Seattle-based cutter is a 399-foot heavy polar icebreaker commissioned in 1976, weighing 13,500 tons and is 84-feet wide with a 34-foot draft. The cutter's six diesel and three gas turbine engines produce up to 75,000 horsepower.

Sustained Coast Guard presence and vigilance in the Polar Regions is critical to advancing U.S. national, economic, and energy security. As the Arctic and Antarctic become more accessible, the demand for more icebreakers to secure global shipping routes, strategic presence, and research access in these regions has never been higher. Investing in icebreakers means investing in American presence, influence, and security in the Polar Regions.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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Throughout the Caribbean, and across the southern border, the men and women of the Coast Guard are working tirelessly to protect our nation.

We are surging resources to interdict illegal alien migration wherever it moves.

We are disrupting cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations seeking to traffic fentanyl into the U.S.

We are doing everything in our power to keep our citizens and our communities safe.

We are always on watch.

A vigilant Coast Guard means a safer nation.

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The Coast Guard remains vigilant along the Rio Grande River, conducting increased patrols to safeguard the U.S. southern border and maritime approaches.

We continue to surge resources to interdict illegal migration and drug smuggling – wherever they move. With the help of advanced technology like unmanned aerial systems and surveillance balloons, we enhance our ability to detect and prevent illegal migration and drug smuggling along our borders.

As we continue our longstanding immigration enforcement mission, the men and women of the Coast Guard are tirelessly committed to the safety and security of our citizens.

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Coast Guard Announces Pathway to Reinstatement for Servicemembers Discharged During COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate --- The Coast Guard is offering servicemembers who were discharged due to refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate a way to rejoin the Service. Following an Executive Order from President Donald J. Trump and directive from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Adm. Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, took immediate action to inform affected personnel of their opportunity to return to service.

In an official letter, Adm. Lunday extended an invitation to eligible servicemembers, outlining the reinstatement process and describing potential benefits, to include back pay and compensation. The letter underscores the Coast Guard's commitment to welcoming those who served and ensuring a smooth transition back into the ranks.

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#ICYMI Earlier this month, the USCGC Yellowfin, with support from a Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144B Ocean Sentry, rescued three people after their fishing vessel capsized 40 miles offshore from Caillou Bay, LA.

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