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BEST 2010 Trip
March 28, 2010
Sunrise to Sunset to Sunrise
“Now, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty. Ice Liberty has been granted to all hands. Dress warm!” A cheer went up throughout POLAR SEA as this declaration came over the announcement system. Ice liberty is a unique form of liberty that polar sailors and shipriders alike hope to experience at least once during their time aboard POLAR SEA. It is an opportunity to set foot off the ship and onto the snow covered sea ice field that extends as far as the eye can see. It is also an opportunity to acquire the coveted picture where a crew member stands near the front of the bow, feat firmly planted on the ice, hand up against the side of the ship as if supporting the weight of the massive thirteen thousand ton vessel on their shoulders.
Soon after Ice liberty had been granted, crew and scientists crowded the starboard side deck where a ladder had been placed over the side and onto the ice. There was a giddy excitement in the air. While some eagerly chatted, others looked on as a football was tossed over the side to shipmates already on the ice. Like any normal granting of liberty, as the line progressed forward and members climbed off the ship, they were diligently marked off, to note their absence from POLAR SEA.
Once on the ice, for many it was a guessing game as to who was concealed beneath thick layers of clothing. With many in disguise due to facemasks, scarves, sunglasses, and the bulk of layers, a “tackle happy” individual had to think twice before selecting their prey. It would be an easy mistake to innocently knock over one’s boss or worse, the XO.
In addition to the occasional good natured tackle, there were a variety of activities on the ice.
Across from the ship a rousing game of football began, made more challenging by the elements of ice and snow. A small group gathered to toss a rugby ball and attempt a “scrum.”
Though the snow was less than ideal for snowball making, quite a few found themselves the target of snow throwing. Later in the afternoon, even a checkers board made its way onto the ice. Cameras and smiles flashed as we all enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air, and camaraderie during this unique form of liberty.
When liberty expired just before dinner, the final stragglers made their way back up the ladder, tired, some sore, and all ready for a hot meal.
Ice liberty was not the only exciting event for the week as the ship enjoyed yet another unexpected visit by inquisitive wildlife. The Spectacled Eider is one of the research topics for the BEST 2010 study. One of the missions the helicopter is used for is to survey Spectacled Eiders. On these flights, the helicopter will launch for one to two hours to look for these birds and note their distribution. The Spectacled Eider is considered a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Its wintering area is between St Matthews and St Lawrence Islands. Scientists are studying the distribution and habitat of the bird to help determine where, and how large, reserves need to be to provide an adequate critical habitat for the Spectacled Eider. Despite a few brief sightings from ship, many of the crew had yet to see this interesting bird.
Early, the morning of March 22, however, two Spectacled Eiders paid us a visit, landing on POLAR SEA’s flight deck. Taking advantage of this surprise visit, the scientists quickly captured the birds to take field measurements. Later that morning the birds were returned to the wild.
Arctic weather rapidly changes adding to the dynamics of the mission. Toward the end of the week a weather front approached bringing wind gusts of up to 60 knots and freezing temperatures. During an evening watch on Friday, one watchstander noting the temperature and wind-chill chart announced to the rest of the bridge that it would only take a mere 15 minutes outside before frostbite would occur. Unfortunately, the “warm spell” enjoyed over the last week has been replaced by this incoming cold front.
The scientists and crew continued to work busily throughout the week as science
stations were conducted every few miles and flight operations occurred as many
as three times a day. Each day the sun shines longer as we draw closer to our
departure from the BEST 2010 operating area. With almost thirteen hours of
daylight, long days seem easier and our return home nearer. With another
productive week coming to a close, we look forward to our final week of
adventure while on station in the BEST 2010 operation area.
Your Public Affairs Officer,
LTJG Emily Holt
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