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Arctic West Fall 2009 Trip
November 22, 2009
From the Gulf of Alaska to the Inside Passage,
POLAR SEA continued to pitch and roll on our journey to Juneau. Though we had evaded the worst of the storm by staying longer in Dutch Harbor, at this time of year the Gulf of Alaska is never calm. After three days everybody was ready to escape the gulf. On Tuesday afternoon we began our transit into the interior waters of Alaska, as POLAR SEA steamed toward Juneau.
The final leg of our transit to Juneau was filled with breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains which bordered the 8 mile wide channel. The snow fell in huge flakes dusting everything in a coat of powder. Whales were spotted breaching close to shore and eagles were seen soaring overhead. The evergreens in their snow covered state completed the postcard worthy views we entered Juneau.
Like our entrance to Dutch Harbor, excitement once again filled the air. Juneau has over 1 million visitors a year during the summer months, most arriving by cruise ship to see the awe inspiring Mendenhall Glacier. The city of 30,000 people often has as many as 15,000 visitors in a single day. Founded during the gold rush, the saying that “Juneau’s streets are paved with gold” holds truth. Visitors in the summer have been known to successfully pan for gold. In addition to gold mines, Juneau also has copper, silver, and iron mines. As POLAR SEA steamed closer to the city, old mines could be seen tucked among the evergreens in the mountainside.
The final leg, where we were accompanied by a pilot, was longer than usual due to the extended narrow channel. Once special sea detail was set, where everyone mans their stations for entering port, the linehandlers kept warm in the hangar and released some port call anticipation by playing basketball, while waiting for the order to return to their stations.
We were moored by sunset and made preparations to both go ashore and receive guests. Our visit to Juneau had been well publicized and many were curious to tour the world’s most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker.
For the next two days, POLAR SEA crew proudly exhibited the icebreaker to over 300 visitors, including highschool and elementary school classes as well as to past polar sailors. Many were awed at POLAR SEA’s capabilities and the science missions completed during our deployment. In the accompanying photograph, BM3 Obert, SN Klineburger, and SN Moore man the quarterdeck in preparation for tours.
Thursday and Friday morning 40 members of the crew participated in a local community outreach, providing assistance at the homeless shelter, Glory Hole. There we spent our time painting, cooking, and serving breakfast. FS3 Loya taught kitchen helpers tricks to preparing perfect eggs over easy, while the painting crew energetically tackled the designated walls in dire need of fresh paint.
This week we said goodbye to FS2 Rainstar, who volunteered to join us on the deployment, increasing morale through his good cooking and upbeat personality. We also said farewell to Professor Sheridan who taught 4 college classes over the course of 10 weeks. She thanked all her students for their dedication in balancing work and class and recognized CWO2 Yarborough who distinguished himself for his ability to manage his heavy workload. We wish them fair winds and safe travels.
On Friday night the crew joined ENS Verlinden, ENS McElroy, ENS Boyle, ENS Holt, ENS Reger, and LTJG Perodeau in celebrating their promotion to LTJG. CWO3 Moore and LT Blanchard were also recognized for their promotions earlier this year.
Another week has passed and we are closer to our return home. In Juneau we had the opportunity to share with the community a taste of the science missions we had accomplished as well as explain the unique abilities of a heavy icebreaker. We were warmly welcomed by the citizens of Juneau and glad to have the opportunity to explore this unique and beautiful area.
Your Public Affairs Officer,
LTJG Emily Holt
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