Guest author Peter Ong has been asking some questions about Polar Star’s recent, unusual Arctic Winter deployment. –Chuck

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“The Coast Guard has a long and rich history of conducting operations around the world, and international demand for increased Coast Guard capability and presence has never been greater.  The Coast Guard’s diverse set of statutory missions provides the Service with unique authorities, capabilities, and partnerships that support national security and foreign policy objectives around the globe. — U.S.C.G. spokesperson, Headquarters, Washington D.C.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s sole remaining active-duty heavy Polar icebreaker, the 45-year-old USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10), returned home to Seattle on Saturday, February 20, 2021.  America’s aging icebreaker left homeport Seattle in December 2020. 

Originally scheduled for “Operation Deep Freeze” to resupply McMurdo Station in the Antarctic, the Polar Star sailed north because of COVID-19 restrictions in Antarctica. This was the first time since 1982, nearly 40 years, that a heavy U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker ventured north to “Show the Flag” and support America’s presence in the Arctic.  While sailing in the Bering Sea, the heavy icebreaker was armed with two .50cal M2HB heavy machine guns, armament that normally would not be mounted on an Antarctic voyage.  

“CGC POLAR STAR is the Nation’s only operational heavy icebreaker and is capable of year-round deployments in the Polar Regions. Typically, CGC POLAR STAR supports the annual resupply of McMurdo Station as part of Operation Deep Freeze; however, the Coast Guard can redirect limited assets based on mission needs and priorities.” — U.S.C.G. spokesperson, Headquarters, Washington D.C.

The reason for the Polar Star’s trip was because the Coast Guard’s only medium Arctic icebreaker, 21-year-old USCGC Healy, suffered an engine room fire and starboard drive breakdown during its Arctic voyage in August 2020.  Healy has since completed repairs at Mare Island Dry Dock, Vallejo, California, and has sailed back to homeport Coast Guard Station, Seattle, where it shares the docks with the heavy icebreakers Polar Star and the inactive Polar Sea (the Polar Sea suffered a crippling engine malfunction that has keep her inactive since 2010, and engine repairs were deemed too costly for the Polar Sea to ever sail again).

“CGC HEALY’s emergency dry dock is complete. Main motor repairs are continuing at CGC HEALY’s homeport in Seattle, WA to facilitate planned maintenance work. The Coast Guard anticipates all repairs will be completed by May 2021 in advance of CGC HEALY’s next scheduled deployment.”  — U.S.C.G. spokesperson, Headquarters, Washington D.C.

The U.S. Coast Guard Shares “Lessons Learned” on the Polar Star’s Arctic Trip

As the first heavy U.S. icebreaker to sail into the Arctic in almost forty years (and the first US icebreaker in the Arctic during the Winter in a very long time–Chuck), what lessons have the Coast Guard and the crew of the 45-year-old icebreaker learned?  When the Polar Star departed, the ship was forty-four years old; she turned forty-five over the Christmas Holidays.

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington D.C., responded to questions via email. “Overall, this was an incredibly successful patrol for CGC POLAR STAR, as the cutter remained 100% fully mission capable for the duration of the deployment.  The extreme Arctic winter environment forced the crew of CGC POLAR STAR to perform unanticipated engineering maintenance, as limitations associated with working in sub-zero temperatures affected operations. For example, extremely cold temperatures in the engine room impacted the designed operation of several engineering systems, which required innovative adjustments to standard procedures. The deployment also identified cold-weather limitations of the MK-IV Over-the-Horizon (OTH) cutter boat. Lessons learned from operating the MK-IV OTH in these temperatures are now informing the development of operational requirements for the next generation of Polar Region small boats. Finally, the winter deployment revealed the potential need to adjust electronic sensor systems to operate in extremely cold weather.”

Since the USCGC Healy’s repairs are planned to finish in May, 2021, the Polar Star may return to its usually Antarctic duties, pending COVID restrictions, although Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington D.C., did not confirm this.

When asked if the U.S. Coast Guard plans to lease any private icebreakers for Arctic duties to make up for the shortage in available U.S. government icebreakers, the Coast Guard spokesperson replied, “The Coast Guard is working with the Navy to identify potential bridging strategies that would increase U.S. surface presence in the Arctic prior to delivery of the first Polar Security Cutter.”

Chuck’s comments. Thanks to Peter Ong for sharing this with us.

I was a bit surprised by this, “… the heavy icebreaker was armed with two .50cal M2HB heavy machine guns, armament that normally would not be mounted on an Antarctic voyage.” There is no reason the Polar Star should not carrier her .50 machine guns when going to Antarctica. This is what the Treaty says.

Article I

1. Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only. There shall be prohibited, inter alia, any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, as well as the testing of any types of weapons.

2. The present Treaty shall not prevent the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purpose.

There is no prohibition in the Treaty against using armed vessels in the Arctic. Historically armed Icebreakers operated in the Antarctic after ratification of the Treaty.

Under Article VII,

“All areas of Antarctica, including all stations, installations and equipment within those areas,
and all ships and aircraft at points of discharging or embarking cargoes or personnel in Antarctica, shall be open at all times to inspection by any observers designated in accordance with paragraph 1 of this article.“

but there are really no security concerns about the 100 year old technology of the .50 cal. M2. It is not that they are likely to be needed, but we seem to be imposing limitations that really don’t exist. False presumptions may unnecessarily limit our future options.

Naval News reports the launch of the first of three “Multi Mission Inshore Patrol Vessels” (MMIPVs) designed by Damen and built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town for the South African Navy.

The report refers to these as over 600 tons, but that must be a light displacement. Based on Damen’s specs, these are about the same size as a 210, six feet shorter but with greater beam and draft.

• Length: 204′ (62.2 meters)
• Beam: 37.7′ (11.5 meters)
• Draft: 13.1′ (4 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 1,031 tons

A June 2020 report provides some additional detail.

“DSCT is supplying three 62×11 metre Stan Patrol 6211 vessels, which have a maximum speed of 26.5 knots, a range of 4 000 nautical miles, and a crew of up to 62. Combat equipment will include a combat management system, radar, forward gun position and heavy machinegun positions. Reutech is supplying 20 mm Super Sea Rogue turrets, as well as RTS 3200 Optronics Radar Tracker (FORT) systems and communications systems.

“The vessels will each carry one 7 metre long RHIB and one 9 metre long RHIB for boarding operations. Container fittings on the aft deck will be available for fastening on mission equipment.“

They have no flight deck. The South African ships did not exercise all the options available on the design. Damen’s spec indicate these ships may have up to three boats with two 11 meter on davits and a third 7.5 meter in a stern ramp, engines totaling up to 14,400 KW (19,311 HP), speeds up to 30 knots, and a range of up to 5,000 miles at 12 knots.

In 2015 Damen Shipyards Cape Town built a pair of similar but smaller ships to the Stan Patrol 5009 design that replaced the 4708 design in their portfolio. The 4708 design was the basis for the Webber class FRCs. South Africa also has three patrol vessels based on the 4708 design.

Earlier there was a 2017 report that South Africa would build 1800 ton Damen designed Offshore Patrol Vessels. The larger vessels are now in doubt for budgetary reasons. They may find these “Inshore Patrol Vessels” meet their needs, since they are a good deal larger than their current OPVs.

A look at how others are seeing new possibilities in the Coast Guard from a national financial magazine.

ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 25, 2021) The U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Maui (WPB 1304) and the Greek navy guided-missile frigate HS Hydra (F452) participate in a passing exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 25, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) is comprised of six 110-foot cutters, the Maritime Engagement Team, shore-side support personnel, and is the Coast Guard’s largest unit outside of the U.S. playing a key role in supporting Navy security cooperation, maritime security, and maritime infrastructure protection operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Below is an ALCOAST. I have made minor changes to format.

R 231811Z MAR 21 FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC TO ALCOAST BT UNCLAS ALCOAST 112/21 SSIC 5726 SUBJ:  DEADLINE FOR THE U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE’S COAST GUARD ESSAY CONTEST A. Coast Guard External Affairs Manual, COMDTINST M5700.13 (series) 1. This ALCOAST announces the U.S. Naval Institute’s Coast Guard Essay contest. 2. Overview. Located at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI), a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization, has provided an open forum for rigorous debate, informed discussion, thought leadership, and professional development for members of the Naval Services since 1873. The vision and mission of the USNI is to give a voice to those who seek the finest Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard by providing an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security. USNI is known for its flagship magazine, Proceedings, and a variety of historical and professional books. 3. Summary. The Naval Institute’s Coast Guard Essay Contest is open to all personnel: active duty, reservists, veterans and civilians from any of the nation’s sea services. It provides members an opportunity to identify areas to make the Coast Guard stronger. 4. The Challenge. What can the U.S. Coast Guard do today to be more effective tomorrow? No subject is too large or too small. All topics are welcome, one might consider: changes required to meet new global missions, barriers preventing the USCG from fully executing its missions and how to remove them, how best to integrate the USCG’s unique authorities, capabilities and partnerships with other sea services, innovative ideas to help make the Coast Guard a more capable and resilient instrument of national security globally, or how to leverage partnerships to more cooperatively defend and secure the homeland.     a. Eligibility: Open to all contributors – active-duty, military, reservists, veterans and civilians. The essay must be original and not published or being considered for publication elsewhere.     b. Length: 2,500 words maximum, excluding notes and sources.     c. Prizes: First prize – $5,000. Second prize – $2,500. Third prize – $1,500.     d. Submission Deadline: the deadline for entries is 30 April 2021. Note: essays are submitted directly to USNI and the U.S. Coast Guard plays no role in selecting the winning essays. Applicants must ensure entries conform to Chapter 6, sections (A) through (C) of REF (A). Essays must be original and not previously published or being considered for publication elsewhere.     e. Additional details: submit the essay as a word document online at: www.usni.org/cgessay by 30 April 2021. Include the word count on the title page, but do not include your name on the title page or within the essay.     f. The Proceedings staff members will evaluate every essay and screen the top essays to a special Essay Selection Committee of at least six members who will include two members of the Naval Institute’s Editorial Board and four subject matter experts. All essays are judged in the blind; the Proceedings staff members and judges will not know the authors of the essays. 5. Other Essay Contests and Writing Opportunities.     a. Essay Contests. USNI hosts essay contests throughout the year on a variety of topics including: Coast Guard, Cyber, Enlisted Perspectives, Innovation & Risk, International Navies, Leadership, Marine Corps, Naval History, Naval Intelligence, Naval Mine Warfare, and Naval Postgraduate School Foundation/USNI. For details see: https://www.usni.org/essay-contests.     b. Other Writing Opportunities. Authors can also submit articles for publication in Proceedings or Naval History magazines, USNI Today (online), and USNI’s Blog (online). For details see: https://www.usni.org/periodicals/proceedings-magazine/submission- guidelines. 6. POC: LCDR Karen Love Kutkiewicz, USNI Executive Fellow, at (206) 460-3399 or e-mail at kkutkiewicz@usni.org. 7. RDML Scott W. Clendenin, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R), sends. 8. Internet release is authorized.

Guyana coast guard small boats patrol alongside the USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) off Guyana’s coast on Jan. 9, 2021. The U.S. and Guyana governments enacted a bilateral agreement on Sep. 18, 2020, to cooperatively combat illegal marine activity in Guyana’s waters. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class John Hightower)

Below is a LANTAREA news release marking the commissioning of USCGC Stone, the ninth National Security Cutter. The Cutter did not even wait to be commissioned to be useful. She has already had a remarkable patrol into the waters of the South Atlantic (here, here, and here).

News Release U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Contact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public Affairs Office: (757) 398-6521 After Hours: (757) 641-0763 Atlantic Area online newsroom  Coast Guard Commissions newest National Security Cutter Fellow Aviators pay tribute to the USCGC Stone (WMSL- 758) during the commissioning ceremony at Coast Guard Base Charleston, S.C., Mar. 19, 2021. The cutter’s namesake is the late Cmdr. Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone, who in 1917 became the Coast Guard’s first aviator and, two years later, was one of two pilots to successfully make a transatlantic flight in a Navy seaplane landing in Portugal. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Moreno) The crew of USCGC Stone (WMSL- 758) prepare to bring the ship to life during a commissioning ceremony at Coast Guard Base Charleston, S.C., Mar. 19, 2021. The cutter’s namesake is the late Cmdr. Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone, who in 1917 became the Coast Guard’s first aviator and, two years later, was one of two pilots to successfully make a transatlantic flight in a Navy seaplane landing in Portugal. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Moreno) NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., — The USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) became the Coast Guard’s newest national security cutter during a commissioning ceremony Friday at Coast Guard Base Charleston. Adm. Karl Schultz, the commandant U.S. Coast Guard, presided over the ceremony. Ms. Laura Cavallo, the grandniece of the ship’s namesake and ship’s sponsor, was also in attendance. The cutter’s namesake comes from Cmdr. Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone, who in 1917 became the Coast Guard’s first aviator and, two years later, was the pilot of the NC-4, a Navy airplane, which in 1919 was the first aircraft to accomplish a trans-Atlantic flight, landing in Portugal. The Stone is the ninth legend-class national security cutter in the Coast Guard’s fleet. The Legend-class, national security cutters can execute the most challenging national security missions, including support to U.S. combatant commanders. They are 418 feet in length, 54 feet in beam, and 4,600 long tons in displacement. They have a top speed of more than 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, an endurance of up to 90 days, and can hold a crew of up to 150. These new cutters are replacing the high endurance Hamilton-class cutters in service since the 1960s. The Stone launched on Oct. 4, 2019, for sea trials. Following sea trials, the crew conducted their maiden voyage Operation Southern Cross, a patrol to the South Atlantic supporting counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Taking the newly-accepted cutter on its shakedown cruise, Stone’s crew covered over 21,000 miles (18,250 nautical miles) over 68 days. A mutual interest in combating IUUF activities offered an opportunity to collaborate for Stone’s crew. They interacted with partners in Guyana, Brazil, Uruguay, and Portugal, strengthening relationships and laying the foundation for increased partnerships to counter illicit maritime activity. Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship in active service.

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