Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters
399-foot Polar Class Icebreakers (WAGB)
The largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard are the icebreakers. These cutters, specifically designed for open-water icebreaking have reinforced hulls, special icebreaking bows, and a system that allows rapid shifting of ballast to increase the effectiveness of their icebreaking. The Polar Sea and Polar Star were built in the 1970s and the newest and most technologically advanced icebreaker, the Cutter HEALY was added to the fleet in November 1999. They serve in Arctic/Antarctic serving science and research as well as providing supplies to remote stations. All three icebreakers are under the control of Pacific Area, Ice Operations Section.
Polar Class Icebreakers in service:
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Characteristics:
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Last Modified 1/26/2012