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Polar Class Icebreakers in service:
The Polar Class icebreakers are two of the largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard. These
cutters, specifically designed for open-water icebreaking have reinforced hulls, special
icebreaking bows, and a system that allows rapid shifting of ballast to increase the
effectiveness of their icebreaking. The Polar Sea and Polar Star were built in the 1970s.
They serve in Arctic/Antarctic serving science and research as well as providing
supplies to remote stations. Both Polar Class icebreakers are under the control of Pacific Area,
Ice Operations Section.
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Updated: 03 August 2004