After 308 days away from its Seattle home port, the 49-year-old U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) and crew returned home, Sept. 23, 2025. Upon completing Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2025, Polar Star returned directly to Mare Island Dry Dock in Vallejo, Calif., to complete the final year of a five-year Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Annika Hirschler.
Below is a District NW press release. I believe this is the first time in about six years Polar Star has returned directly to homeport rather than stopping in Vallejo for her five part phased Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).
Media Advisory: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star Returns to Seattle After 146-Day Antarctic Mission
WHAT: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) will return to its homeport in Seattle after completing their Operation Deep Freeze 2026 mission in Antarctica. Having traveled more than 23,000 miles, the cutter and its crew supported the U.S. Antarctic Program by breaking a channel through miles of ice, escorting vital supply vessels, and contributing to international scientific and conservation efforts.
PHOTO & VIDEO OPPORTUNITY: The 50-year-old heavy polar icebreaker, USCGC Polar Star, will be mooring at its homeport. This event provides an opportunity to capture footage of the seasoned vessel, conduct interviews with the commanding officer about their extended and challenging deployment, and learn about the cutter’s critical role in maintaining U.S. presence in the Polar Regions.
WHO: Capt. Jeff Rasnake, the commanding officer of the Polar Star will be available for interviews and photo opportunities.
WHEN: Monday, April 13, 2026 at 12:30pm. For updates on arrival times and availability, please RSVP to the media contact below.
WHERE: Coast Guard Base Seattle, 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA, 98134
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