#ThrowbackThursday Today we look back to Feb. 3, 2024, on the icy expanses of Antarctica! Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s crew conducted an awe-inspiring journey to the Ross Ice Shelf. From walking alongside Adélie penguins, to supporting vital U.S. Antarctic research, the crew's mission under Operation Deep Freeze showcases the unique and adventurous roles in the U.S. Coast Guard. #Antarctica #PolarStar #USCG #USCoastGuard #Coast #Guard #PACAREA #Military #Veteran #DepartmentofHomelandSecurity #DHS
U.S. Coast Guard I loved being on the Polar Sea and breaking ice in the Arctic and Antarctica. I was alarmed though when I was told to report to the fantail and dump trash overboard. What does the Coast Guard do today with plastic waste onboard long journeys? The Navy melts it down from what I’ve read, does the Coast Guard do the same? I often wonder where we would be today with plastic if I had addressed the plastic waste crisis back in 1989, when I got out of the United States Coast Guard. I was on the United States Coast Guard Polar Sea from 1982 to 1984. One of my jobs was to take bags of trash (containing plastic, food, metal, and chemicals), cut a hole in the bottom, and dump the contents over the back of the ship. We then put the bag into a bin, but some of my crew members threw the bag overboard and said that the ocean is a large area and no one would know. Immediately afterwards, I approached my supervisor (BN3) and requested a meeting with the Captain in order to address the issue of dumping trash overboard. I was told that while I was correct in assessing the situation, it was “not my place” to speak to the Captain about the issue because I was only a Seaman’s Apprentice.
I served in POLAR STAR from 1983-85 and deployed on Deep Freeze '85 and Arctic Winter West (burrr) '84. Those were the days!
I was there in 84,85. What a great time.
One thing I would have liked to do.
She is showing her age in this shot; and not the penguin 🤔🌎⚓️
Semper paratus, Polar sea 1980 to 84. Had a great time on that vessel. Hate to see her just sitting now.
Most people in the U.S. have no idea that the U.S. Coast Guard operates our nations icebreakers! I went aboard the Star just for a visit in '83. Was attending EMT School in Petaluma when my buddy and I decide to drive up for Labor Day weekend.
Medical Diagnostics/Biotech, 813.495.6556, kelly@cadestonegroup.com
1moMy son was there! #uscgmom