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Arctic West Fall 2009 Trip
October 11, 2009
Some days it feels like we are on top of the world.
This week, we transited as far north as 78 N. Just slightly under 800 miles from the North Pole, though doubtful we’d see Santa and his reindeer, we hoped for more polar bears and thicker ice. The arctic environment can be vastly different within a few miles’ span at this time of year, as evidenced by the variety of ice that met our eyes each day. Our northward passage did not always correspond with stronger ice. Ice floes were comprised of everything from new ice (recently formed) to multi-year ice.
As each day passed, POLAR SEA crew and scientists attentively searched for polar bears and ice thick enough to study them. Each successful capture brought the scientists a little closer to their research goals and increased everyone’s morale. This week was especially exciting as a few members of the crew had the opportunity to fly out with the helicopters, spend some time on the ice, and actually touch a polar bear! Some interesting facts they learned include that a polar bear’s skin is black so that it absorbs heat and that when polar bears are hunting, they cover their nose so that they are better camouflaged against the snow.
POLAR SEA crew and scientists took advantage of every opportunity to maximize operations during days of good ice and weather conditions. While helos traversed the skies and darted bears, dive operations were simultaneously conducted. Dive operations involved a variety of crew; crane operators, safety observers, dive supervisor, and the bear watch. The dive team was transferred in groups of two by crane from the deck of POLAR SEA to the ice floe below.
No POLAR SEA sailor was idle during these evolutions. Crew quickly adapted to switching between dive operations and flight operations at a moment’s notice. The flight deck members were ready whenever the helicopters had launched to man their stations at five minutes notice.
One of the most memorable days this week was Thursday evening. While the crew ate dinner and settled into their evening routine, the bridge watch was suddenly alerted by the lookout that polar bears had been spotted in the distance. As POLAR SEA steamed forward, all realized that we would pass within a few hundred yards. As soon as the pipe “Now there are polar bears 300 yards off the starboard bow” was made, people jumped from their seats and raced to the focs’le and bridge to catch this sight. No one ever gets tired of watching polar bears. Though they may look cute and cuddly in photographs, in real life, they are fun to watch and fascinating to study. This group consisted of a mother and her two cubs. One of the cubs appeared quite curious and would scamper toward the ship and then race back toward his mother who would give warning signals as seen below when the cub wandered too far.
As stated earlier, the arctic can be a quickly changing and fierce environment. As the week advanced the weather significantly changed the surrounding ice world. Thursday afternoon, as POLAR SEA steamed to the next bear location, the ice began to move in an unexpected way. One of the best things about being in ice is that though noisy, it provides a stable ride. However, as the ice thinned, swells began to develop underneath the ice. It looked as if a blanket had been thrown over a sleeping giant. Angered it was now moving and ripples developed across the surface. By Friday night POLAR SEA ploughed through an ice field with 15 foot swells and 30 knot winds. The bridge watch was tense as they maneuvered around house sized multi year ice that crowded the tumultuous seas. Not many slept that night as they tossed and turned while the ship pitched and rolled. All were happy to awake the next morning to smaller swells and a rising barometer, indicating better weather had arrived.
Being able to transit into the arctic in the fall and winter is a unique ability that POLAR SEA, as an icebreaker, possesses. One of the coveted awards representing the achievement of operating in this harsh environment is the Arctic Service Medal, which is awarded after spending 21 consecutive days north of the Arctic Circle. On Tuesday, 06 October, the crew received their Arctic Service Medal. Though for most it was a first, a few had more, and one individual, MK2 Erickson, was receiving this recognition for his seventh time! He also earned his second CG Good Conduct Award for three years of good conduct.
Each day brings fresh experiences, new challenges, and unforeseen change. As true Coast Guardsmen we adapt as necessary. Some days feel as if we are on top of the world while others are grey and discouraging. Regardless, as a team, POLAR SEA crew and scientists press on with unwavering stamina to accomplish new things in the Realm of the Polar Bear.
Your Public Affairs Officer,
ENS Emily Holt
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