Arctic West Fall 2008 Trip

POLAR SEA recently returned from a 44 day Arctic West Fall patrol.  POLAR SEA headed north to the Arctic to evaluate newly installed engineering systems.  The crew carried out a multi-mission deployment, conducting protection of living marine resources, enforcement of laws and treaties, and polar operations.  An aviation detachment  from Air Station Kodiak joined POLAR SEA in support of these missions.  ATG Everett, Fish School, and Nav Sea riders, who were aboard for various portions of the trip, were invaluable assets for the training and knowledge they shared with the crew.  An assortment of riders, including scientists collecting bird data and a videographer, also joined POLAR SEA on this northbound journey.  POLAR SEA achieved its first Arctic Service Medal in ten years and operated further north in November than any U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker ever has.