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Arctic West Fall 2009 Trip
October 3, 2009
Adapt and overcome is a phrase frequently thrown about in the Coast Guard world of military terms and acronyms. Yet when sailing the severe waters of the Arctic Ocean, this phrase is lived out daily. Early this week, POLAR SEA experienced a casualty which brought creative minds together to develop a solution. Shortly after the second party of scientists was onloaded, POLAR SEA began steaming north, toward the first polar bear position. The bridge was quiet and the watch was vigilant as POLAR SEA made her way through the serene waters off Barrow. The serenity was not to last for long, however. The temporary peace was broken by the helmsman; “Ma’am, there appears to be an inconsistency in the rudder ordered indicator.”
As engineers troubleshot the steering gear, it became evident that POLAR SEA was experiencing a steering casualty and would not be able to steer from the bridge. While the engineers worked to fix the problem, a temporary solution was born out of the great minds of the engineering watch. We would have two helmsman; one would be at the bridge helm relaying commands to a helmsman in aft steering. Aft steering is where the steering gear is located at the stern of the vessel, approximately a football field distance from the bridge. It allows for a secondary method for steering if a casualty occurs. It is manned as a precaution during evolutions such as anchoring, mooring, and other situations where a backup is critical. Because of the nature of the casualty, the normal steering wheel could not be used. Instead, the helmsman in aft steering held a pair of vice grips linked to the steering gear. As commands were relayed, the helmsman moved the vice grips forward and aft causing the ship to move fluidly to whatever ordered course change was given.
As POLAR SEA entered ice once more, “steering by vice grips” required increased alertness and preemptive action on the bridge as commands had to be given in enough time to account for the communication delay between the bridge helm and aft steering. All were thankful when the necessary parts arrived within days of the casualty.
On Monday the polar bear search began in earnest. The crew and scientists worked together to launch helicopters and recover data. Unfortunately, the lack of thick sea ice prevented data recovery. Undaunted, POLAR SEA continued steaming across the frigid Arctic waters, into the heart of the north.
Wednesday evening, John Whiteman of the University of Wyoming gave a fascinating presentation on the current polar bear research project. Many were amazed to hear that one female polar bear had swum 400 nautical miles from land to ice and then back to shore over a two month period. Mr. Whiteman also showed videos about how they safely extract data while ensuring polar bears are protected. The main focus of their project is to see how the decreasing amount of ice is affecting the polar bear’s survival. The presentation was well attended by the crew.
As the sun crept ever slower over the horizon the following morning, the light carried with it a sense of excitement for the project at hand. While the dawn breathed life onto the Arctic landscape, the crew of POLAR SEA prepared for flight operations. Into the ice once more, POLAR SEA steamed onward waiting for a report from the helicopter. At last the call came over; a bear had been sighted! Unfortunately, the conditions were not adequate for data extraction. The helo returned to POLAR SEA and shortly after many crowded the starboard bridge wing, craning their necks around every corner, binoculars in hand hoping to see the same polar bear in the distance! Fate smiled down as the polar bear came into sight. The next launch was successful. The ice conditions were suitable for the research project and the helos, working in tandem, carried out the operation of darting and capturing the polar bear. Once the bear was tranquilized, both helicopters landed and the scientists worked on extracting data for the next three hours on the ice. The helos departed once the science work was complete and the polar bear had awoken.
Meanwhile, back at POLAR SEA, research divers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) were collecting data for the purpose of studying life associated with sea ice and to characterize the physical conditions in which these organisms live. The sea ice group is conducting research using the following procedures: ice cores, dive evolutions, and data collection on density and distribution of larger animals like amphipods and fish. They are also measuring some of the physical parameters of ice types, such as salt content, temperature, and light conditions. While on the ice, a bear watch stood guard to prevent any curious polar bears from getting too close to the divers.
Amidst the flurry of activity in conjunction with the polar bear research and dive operations, the crew of POLAR SEA continued to stand out in their many achievements. On Thursday we recognized ET3 Leitner as our Sailor of the Quarter.
MK1 Titus put on anchors the same day, when he was advanced to the coveted rank of chief.
Also recognized this week were MKC Donegan who received his 3rd Good Conduct award, SN Strang who earned her Temporary Cuttermans Pin, and SN Woods who earned her 1 year Sea Service award.
It is odd to think that each week could surpass the previous. However, each day POLAR SEA crew members rise to the challenges at hand, adapt and overcome the unique problems presented. It is a unique experience to be able to collaborate with scientists and provide both a platform and assistance for their research. We look forward to the upcoming week as research continues, the ice grows stronger, and POLAR SEA surges forward into the Realm of the Polar Bear.
Your Public Affairs Officer,
ENS Emily Holt
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