The United States Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) returned to its home port in Seattle on Sunday after completing a 129-day deployment to the Arctic, marking the completion of its annual patrol in the polar region.

During the mission, Healy, one of only three operational US Coast Guard polar icebreakers, covered more than 20,000 miles while supporting Operation Arctic West Summer and Operation Frontier Sentinel.

According to the Coast Guard, Healy’s ability to operate in extreme and ice-covered environments enabled it to carry out high-priority missions in one of the world’s most remote regions.

The cutter’s commanding officer, Captain Kristen Serumgard, said in a statement that the crew’s adaptability, dedication, and resilience helped them complete the extensive mission in challenging Arctic conditions.

As part of Operation Frontier Sentinel, Healy monitored and questioned three foreign research vessels operating in ice-covered areas of the US Extended Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone to protect the country’s northern maritime borders.

Throughout the summer, five China-affiliated research vessels were active in the Arctic region. Healy was among several Coast Guard assets deployed to monitor these operations, working closely with US Northern Command and Alaskan Command to track foreign vessel activity in and near US waters.

Healy also supported two scientific missions in collaboration with the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, and other partner agencies.

These missions involved deploying and recovering oceanographic equipment across the US Arctic, East Siberian Sea, and Laptev Sea. The data collected will help researchers better understand the Arctic Ocean’s physical, biological, and chemical conditions and improve maritime awareness in the region.

During the deployment, Healy was also redirected to assist with search and rescue and disaster relief operations after a series of severe storms affected several coastal communities in Western Alaska.

USCGC Healy, the largest cutter in the US Coast Guard fleet, measures 420 feet in length. The powerful icebreaker can continuously break through 4.5 feet of ice at a speed of three knots and operate in extreme temperatures as low as -50°F, ensuring year-round access to the Arctic Ocean.

Reference: USCG