The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star is on deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military’s contribution to the National Science Foundation-managed U.S. Antarctic Program.

The 1970s-era vessel carves a navigable path through seasonal and multi-year ice sometimes as much as 10-feet thick to help ensure the annual delivery of fuel and supplies NSF research stations in Antarctica.

Polar Star, America’s sole remaining heavy icebreaker, completed its mission despite several engineering challenges, including flooding and engine failure.

Both videos are courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.