Explore the aircraft, cutters and boats used by the Coast Guard to conduct various missions throughout the world.
The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, a 240-foot heavy icebreaker, breaks ice near Marine City, Mich., along the St. Clair River, Jan. 28, 2015. The cutter was operating as part of Operation Taconite, which is the ice breaking operation for the northern Great Lakes. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Daniel R. Michelson)
The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw was designed specifically for the Great Lakes, where its mission has been to keep the shipping lanes open through as much of the winter as possible. The cutter's features state-of-the-art navigation, communication, and security systems. The vessel also has a 20-ton crane for servicing aids to navigation, and an oil spill recovery system onboard. It uses two-podded propulsions and a bow thruster to provide excellent maneuverability.