Encl (2) to COMDTINST 16010.8
Polar Operations
Why We Act
The Coast Guard conducts polar operations to facilitate the movement of critical goods
regions. Our icebreakers deliver logistics support and clear tracks for other supply
vessels to the McMurdo science station in Antarctica. Without this service, this base
could not perform its vital functions. The ability to bring in more supplies by ship is
critical to the effectiveness of scientific operations at McMurdo. In the mid 1980s,
logistical supplies took 95% of available cargo space, leaving only 5% for important
science equipment. That ratio has been reduced to 60% logistics and 40% science
equipment due in part to a greater ability to rely on supply ships to bring in the big
cargo - these are the ships Coast Guard icebreakers clear tracks for.
The Coast Guard must maintain sufficient icebreaking capability to ensure that these
missions can be reliably executed: in the remote polar frontiers, there is no backup
asset to finish the task, or render assistance if the primary asset breaks down or
besets in the ice. Scientists in the Antarctic only have 4 months of summer in which to
work - an inability to resupply science operations by ship every year would likely delay
important experiments for a whole year. In addition to logistics, polar icebreakers
promote a U.S. presence in the polar regions and in numerous foreign port visits, serve
as floating scientific laboratories to support National Science Foundation research, and
State Department treaty compliance inspections. The Coast Guard is the sole U.S.
operator of heavy icebreaking capability.
Key Factors
Ice blockage reduces mobility, and delays or precludes navigation to the polar region
bases. Icebreaking performance is affected by ice thickness, currents, winds, and other
factors linked to the severity of winter weather patterns. Polar science research is
limited by the availability of assets that can transport people and equipment through
ice and serve as laboratory platforms.
Strategies
The Coast Guard operates large polar icebreakers capable of establishing tracks for
resupply routes in the polar regions, and transporting scientist for the purposes of
conducting experiments in the polar region. The icebreakers also serve as floating
laboratories for important national-level research in the polar regions. In February
each year, Coast Guard icebreakers open a channel for a tanker and supply ship that
bring in a year's supply of material, fuel, and food. In addition, Coast Guard
helicopters embarked on the icebreakers assist in transporting scientists to remote
areas of the Antarctic landmass where fixed- wing aircraft cannot reach. We seek to
improve our ability to carry out unfulfilled scientific research with the Cutter HEALY,
a more research-capable polar icebreaker.
Coordination
The Department of Defense and Department of State provide requirements for security and
diplomatic functions. The National Science Foundation provides scientific research
requirements for icebreaking services.
34 Mobility