Showing posts with label icebreaker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label icebreaker. Show all posts

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Releasing a glider into Disko Bay

Thursday, October 21, 2021

U.S. Coast Guard video by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers and a team of international scientists deploy an autonomous glider into Disko Bay on September 19, 2021. 

The data collected by the glider will be used by scientists who are studying the impacts of warm water affecting the rate of melting from the Greenland ice sheet.

Watch the one minute video as they release the glider into the water.  

U.S. Coast Guard video by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Cutter boat operations in Baffin Bay

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Coast Guard Cutter Healy crewmembers on the cutter boat look back at the Healy as they conduct operations in Baffin Bay. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

The Healy is equipped with two 26-foot cutter boats and one 38-foot Arctic Survey Boat used by the crew to support multiple missions including personnel transfers, search-and-rescue operations, and enforcement of laws and treaties. 

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers climb aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar and prepare to be lowered to the water to conduct operations in Baffin Bay on Sept. 27, 2021.  U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar pull away from the Healy in Baffin Bay. Photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Healy, a 420-foot icebreaker, departed our Seattle homeport in July to conduct Coast Guard missions, protect U.S. interests in the high latitudes, and support oceanographic research while circumnavigating North America via the Northwest Passage and the Panama Canal. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar conduct cutter boat operations in Baffin Bay on Sept. 27, 2021. Healy’s crew routinely conducts training to maintain their proficiency and qualify new boat crew members. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Healy’s crew train and prepare to conduct statutory Coast Guard missions including search-and-rescue, environmental protection, and enforcement of laws and treaties as needed during the multi-month Arctic deployment. 


Crewmembers aboard the cutter’s 26-foot Cutter Boat Large Polar are recovered after conducting cutter boat operations in Baffin Bay. A davit is used to lower and raise the cutter boat and its crew. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

 

Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Working with the Canadians

Monday, October 18, 2021

Lieutenant(N) Sebastien Savard of the Royal Canadian Navy
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

“Serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Healy has been an incredible opportunity for me and my service. As a member of the Royal Canadian Navy, I’m serving alongside and cross-pollinating with members from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Navy, and the U.S. Navy.
 
"We’ve integrated with Healy’s crew for their Northwest Passage transit and science missions in Baffin Bay through an exchange program designed to promote inter-service learning and cooperation. 

The program gives officers from various naval services across the world the chance to serve alongside each other. I’ve had the opportunity to learn how our allied nations and partner services carry out their missions and the methods by which they operate. 

"The people I’ve met, and the opportunities I’ve had alongside the crew as a watchstander on the bridge allows me to bring home unique knowledge about Arctic icebreaking, oceanographic research, and how these contribute to the safety of navigation in the region. I’ve gained a new appreciation for the Arctic area of opportunity and its geopolitical importance.”

Lieutenant(N) Sebastien Savard has served in the Royal Canadian Navy for four years. A native of Cornwall, Ontario, Lt(N) Savard currently serves as a bridge watchstander on the HMCS Regina, a multi-role Canadian Patrol Frigate homeported in Victoria, British Columbia.



Read more...

Adventures of an icebreaker: scientists come aboard

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Healy is headed for Nuuk, Greenland. 
U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

After navigating and breaking our way through the icy Northwest Passage, Coast Guard Cutter Healy recently anchored near Nuuk, Greenland to drop off and pick up scientists for the next leg of our Arctic journey.

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Healy partnered with members from the international science community and institutions from the U.S and Norway to perform oceanographic research projects within Baffin Bay to inform environmental change research over the next several weeks.

Healy is designed to conduct a wide range of research activities.
U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Healy is a medium icebreaker responsible for executing Coast Guard missions in the polar regions and a premier high-latitude research vessel designed to conduct a wide range of research activities. 

Healy has more than 4,200 square feet of scientific laboratory space, numerous electronic sensor systems, oceanographic winches, and accommodations for up to 50 scientists. 

The crew assists the scientists by deploying and recovering equipment.
U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

The crew assists the scientists with their unique missions by deploying and recovering scientific instruments and equipment throughout their Arctic deployment.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Working with scientists above the Arctic Circle

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Healy in Baffin Bay. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

From breaking ice and performing other Coast Guard missions in the high latitudes to conducting oceanographic research along the Davis Strait in Baffin Bay, 

Near Baffin Island above the Arctic Circle. 
U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Healy crewmembers see some amazing sights during this deployment!

Healy’s crew has been supporting a team of international scientists by deploying equipment near Baffin Island above the Arctic Circle, a region scientists don’t always have the opportunity to study due to its remote location.

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Scientists collect data from a host of instruments and extract water samples from Baffin Bay for environmental change research.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: The Northern Lights put on a show

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Over Baffin Bay. Photo by Andrew Margolin

Operating in the high latitudes aboard Coast Guard Cutter Healy comes with many unique perks. Those who were awake late at night while Healy was operating in Baffin Bay got a front row seat to an evening lightshow courtesy of the Northern Lights!

Photo by Andrew Margolin

The colorful Aurora Borealis danced across the crisp, clear night sky for hours and streaked directly above Healy.

Photo by Andrew Margolin

Healy, a 420’-long medium icebreaker, is the biggest ship in the Coast Guard’s fleet and serves as a premier high-latitude research vessel.

Photo by Andrew Margolin

Members from the international science community and institutions from the U.S. and Norway are deployed aboard Healy to perform oceanographic research projects throughout the Northwest Passage and within Baffin Bay to inform environmental research.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Day or night icebreaking doesn’t stop

Saturday, October 2, 2021

Spotlights illuminate the ice on the Beaufort Sea ahead of Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) while en route to the Northwest Passage on Sept. 1, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Matt Masaschi.

Deploying to the Arctic in the late summer gives Coast Guard Cutter Healy crewmembers a lot of daylight to work with, but with each passing day we see a little more darkness. 

A spotlight illuminates the ice on the Beaufort Sea ahead of Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) while en route to the Northwest Passage on Sept. 1, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Matt Masaschi

We don’t stop working when the sun goes down! Healy’s crews break through Arctic ice in the Beaufort Sea as they transit toward the Northwest Passage.

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) leaves a trail of broken ice as the crew transits through the Beaufort Sea on Sept. 1, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Matt Masaschi

During their months-long circumnavigation of North America, Healy and its crew will conduct Coast Guard missions, support oceanographic research and promote U.S. interests throughout the region.

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) leaves a trail of broken ice as the crew transits through the Beaufort Sea on Sept. 1, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Matt Masaschi

Healy’s deployment marks its first transit through the Northwest Passage since 2003.

Healy’s crew deployed to the Arctic to conduct Coast Guard missions, strengthen international partnerships, demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Arctic, and support oceanographic research with the international science community.

Check out nighttime icebreaking video here: https://bit.ly/3kBHaQl



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Traveling through the Arctic ice

Saturday, September 25, 2021


Ens. Valarie Hines, an ice pilot aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20), breaks through Arctic ice as she maneuvers the crew through the Beaufort Sea, Sept. 1, 2021. 

Healy’s crew deployed to the Arctic to conduct Coast Guard missions, strengthen international partnerships, demonstrate our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Arctic, and support environmental research with the international science community. 

View the video of the Healy traveling through an ice field. Turn on the sound and click the photo.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor!

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s crew felt the effects from remnants of Hurricane Larry as the storm began affecting Baffin Bay off the western coast of Greenland where Healy was operating. 

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Traversing through 15 feet high seas was quite a stark contrast from breaking through the dense four foot thick Arctic ice seen transiting through the Northwest Passage!



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: U.S., Canadian crews conduct joint training exercise during CGC Healy's Northwest Passage transit

Friday, September 10, 2021


Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz speaks to Brendon Mendenhall, from the Ship-Based Technical Support in the Arctic (STARC) program, working aboard Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20), during a visit aboard Healy while near Resolute, Nunavut, Canada on Sept. 6, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer First Class Michael Underwood.


The Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s (WAGB 20) crew conducted a search-and-rescue exercise and professional exchange with members of the Canadian Coast Guard and Canadian Rangers near Resolute Bay in Nunavut, Canada, September 6, 2021, during Healy’s Northwest Passage transit.

Healy and its crew are circumnavigating North America to strengthen allied partnerships, in addition to conducting Coast Guard missions and supporting oceanographic research to increase understanding of the changing Arctic environment and associated impacts.

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) Executive Officer Cmdr. Jessica Worst observes Canadian coast guard ship Amundsen transit alongside Healy during a passing exercise near Resolute, Nunavut, Canada on Sept. 6, 2021. The two services conducted a joint Arctic search and rescue exercise with Canadian Rangers to improve interoperability for a combined response during a search and rescue operation in the Polar region. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer First Class Michael Underwood.


U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz, Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Mario Pelletier and Canadian Coast Guard Assistant Commissioner for the Arctic Region Neil O’Rourke were aboard Healy to meet with the crew and observe the joint training exercise.

“Training alongside our Canadian partners while underway in the Arctic during a historic circumnavigation of North America is a great example of enhancing our interoperability and mission capabilities,” said Schultz. “Healy is supporting oceanographic research with the science community during this deployment to the critically important Arctic region.”

An aircrew aboard a Canadian coast guard Bell 429 helicopter prepares to land aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) while near Resolute, Nunavut, Canada on Sept. 6, U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer First Class Michael Underwood.

The U.S. Coast Guard is the nation’s leader in Arctic surface operations and coordinates with international partners to maintain the region as safe, prosperous and cooperative by strengthening international and intergovernmental partnerships in the region through joint exercises and professional exchanges.

“Seeing the members of the Canadian Coast Guard work hand in hand with their counterparts from the Healy has been inspiring,” said Pelletier. “The vastness of the Arctic makes this a very difficult environment for emergency response making every opportunity for training valuable. These exercises ensure our two countries’ Coast Guards stand ready and able to assist should we be needed.”

Coast Guard icebreaker crews aboard Healy and the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) deploy to conduct statutory Coast Guard missions in the Polar Regions such as search-and-rescue and the protection of marine resources. Additionally, the crews support oceanographic research in the Arctic and Antarctic.

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz, Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Mario Pelletier and Canadian Coast Guard Assistant Commissioner for the Arctic Region Neil O’Rourke were aboard Healy to meet with the crew and observe the joint training exercise. Photos by LT Scott Kellerman

The Healy crew is collaborating with the international science community and institutions from the U.S., Canada, Norway and Denmark to perform oceanographic projects throughout the Northwest Passage and within Baffin Bay to inform environmental change research.

The Healy, a 420-foot-long medium icebreaker, departed its Seattle homeport July 10, 2021 for a months-long Arctic deployment and circumnavigation of North America. Since departing, the crew has been executing Coast Guard missions, supporting oceanographic research and conducting training to develop the Coast Guard’s future Polar security cutter sailors.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: It takes a lot of horsepower to break through eight feet of ice

Thursday, September 9, 2021

MK2 Candace Coolberth and MK2 James Carl troubleshoot and repair one of the Main Diesel Engine’s automated lube oil strainers while underway in the Chukchi Sea during Healy’s Arctic deployment. U.S. Coast Guard Photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Coast Guard Cutter Healy, the largest ship in the U.S. Coast Guard at 420 ft., is powered by a diesel-electric power plant generating enough power for the medium icebreaker to bash its way through Arctic ice up to 8 ft. thick!

U.S. Coast Guard Photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Machinery technicians aboard Healy, assigned to the Main Prop division, stay busy maintaining and repairing the ship’s four 12-cylinder Main Diesel Engines which turn the ships four electric generators.

The Healy and its crew are currently circumnavigating North America promoting U.S. interests along the U.S. and Russia maritime boundary line, conducting Coast Guard missions and supporting scientific research throughout the Arctic.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Before the polar bears, there were walruses

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Walruses on ice floe. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi


We are following the progress of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, homeported in Puget Sound.

Before the Healy reached the desolate Beaufort Sea north of Alaska, and the polar bears on ice floes, they were in the Chukchi Sea with different marine critters.

“Walruses off the port bow!”

As Coast Guard Cutter Healy transited through the marginal ice zone of the Chukchi Sea, the crew saw the first patches of ice during the second leg of Healy’s months-long Arctic deployment.

Perched upon the giant floating chunks of ice were several walruses serving as Arctic Ambassadors welcoming Healy’s crew north of the Arctic Circle! The walruses seemed just as curious as to what a gigantic red ship was doing in their ice field as the crew was of seeing them!



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: You're on your own in the Arctic

Tuesday, September 7, 2021


We have been following the USCGC Healy from Puget Sound on its voyage around North America. The Healy is currently in the desolate Beaufort Sea in the Arctic, north of Alaska.

U.S. Coast Guard Photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi


When you’re operating in the remote parts of the world, you can’t call 911 and expect help to be there. So our crews frequently train to respond to a wide range of potential shipboard emergencies. 


Planning for shipboard emergencies keeps crews sharp and ready to respond should a real situation develop aboard a cutter. Every crewmember has a responsibility and they must work together to save the ship if disaster strikes.

Damage Control drills simulate potential emergencies and test the crew’s ability to efficiently recognize and respond to the situation.


Coast Guard Cutter Healy crewmembers were tested on combating a shipboard fire in one of the ship’s auxiliary machine rooms during their Arctic deployment as they transited the Beaufort Sea.

Together the crew battled the simulated fire!



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Polar bears in the desolate Beaufort Sea

Sunday, September 5, 2021

U.S. Coast Guard Photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

In one of the most desolate places on earth, it’s nice to see we’re not alone!

We’ve spotted several polar bears as we’ve broken our way through the frozen Beaufort Sea north of Canada.

U.S. Coast Guard Photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Polar bears, walruses, whales, puffins and seals are a just few examples of the regional marine life we’ve seen so far on our Arctic deployment!

U.S. Coast Guard Photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s crew are transiting the icy Beaufort Sea toward the Northwest Passage where the cutter will make its third #NWP transit since its commissioning in 2000, and Healy’s first ever eastbound transit through the passage. 

The Coast Guard Cutter Maple was the last Coast Guard cutter to transit the Northwest Passage in 2017.

We are following the USCGC Healy on its voyage from Puget Sound, through the Arctic, around North America and back to Puget Sound.



Read more...

Adventures of an Icebreaker: Training with aircrew from USCG Air Station Kodiak

Thursday, September 2, 2021

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

"Now, Set FLICON 1, Set FLICON 1"

Following Healy’s departure from Seward, Alaska, the crew conducted multiple training evolutions with an aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, flying a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter.

Together, crews conducted multiple landings and refuelings during flight ops. This training ensures Healy’s crew and aircrew are proficient and stay sharp!

We are tagging along with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy on its voyage from Puget Sound through the Arctic and around North America.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Members of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s (WAGB 20) tie-down team retreat from a MH-65 helicopter during joint flight training operations in the Gulf of Alaska on Aug. 25, 2021. Tie-down teams use ratchet straps to secure the helicopter to the flight deck after landing and they remove the tie-down straps before the helicopter can take off.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers lay out a fuel hose during flight training operations in the Gulf of Alaska on Aug. 25, 2021. The crew used the hose to provide fuel to an Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew during joint flight operations training.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers don personal protective equipment prior to re-fueling an Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aboard the cutter while transiting the Gulf of Alaska on Aug. 25, 2021. 

The Healy and its crew are circumnavigating North America to strengthen allied partnerships, in addition to conducting Coast Guard missions and supporting oceanographic research to increase understanding of the changing Arctic environment and associated impacts.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Ens. Ryan Dunkle, a Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmember, relays landing signals to Air Station Kodiak pilots flying a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter during nighttime flight training operations off the coast of Alaska during Healy’s Arctic deployment on Aug. 25, 2021. Landing Signal Officers are responsible for communicating with the aircrew and cutter crewmembers during flight operations. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Ens. Ryan Dunkle gives commands to a tie-down team during nighttime joint flight training operations with an Air Station Kodiak aircrew while off the coast of Alaska.



Read more...

Adventures of an icebreaker - USCGC Healy leaves port at Seward AK and heads north

Following port call in Seward, the crew will venture north, back into the Arctic.
U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

The icebreaker Healy spent some time testing equipment on Puget Sound next to Shoreline. We are following them on their journey circumnavigating North America.

After a brief stop in Seward, Alaska, the Coast Guard Cutter Healy crew pulled in the lines and set sail continuing their Arctic Deployment.

The crew aboard Healy, a 420 ft. medium icebreaker, will provide U.S. surface presence in the Arctic, conduct high latitude oceanographic research missions, engage in exercises and professional exchanges with foreign navies and patrols, and conduct other operations as directed throughout their deployment.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmembers pull in lines preparing to depart Seward, Alaska, Aug. 25, 2021. The Healy and its crew are circumnavigating North America to strengthen allied partnerships, in addition to conducting Coast Guard missions and supporting oceanographic research to increase understanding of the changing Arctic environment and associated impacts. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmember takes down the American Flag as the Healy departs Seward, Alaska, Aug. 25, 2021. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmember Senior Chief Petty Officer Jim McCardle, plots a course on a chart as Healy departs Seward, Alaska, during the cutter’s Arctic deployment on Aug. 25, 2021. The Healy and its crew are circumnavigating North America. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB 20) crewmember Senior Chief Petty Officer Jim McCardle, plots a course on a chart as Healy departs Seward, Alaska, during the cutter’s Arctic deployment on Aug. 25, 2021. Healy’s deployment supports the Coast Guard’s Arctic Strategy and provides critical training opportunities to increase Polar sailors’ capabilities today as well as future operations in the Arctic on Coast Guard Polar Security Cutters. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi

Ens. Valerie Hines and Ens. Emi Siler monitor the Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s (WAGB 20) transit out of Seward, Alaska, during Healy’s Arctic deployment, Aug. 25, 2021. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Lt. Kevin Lowery and ENS Ryan Dunkle scan for other vessels and obstacles from the Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s (WAGB 20) bridge as the cutter and crew transit out of Seward, Alaska, during Healy’s Arctic deployment, Aug. 25, 2021. 

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

And they are out to sea!

The Healy and its crew are currently deployed on a circumnavigation of North America to promote U.S. interests along the U.S. and Russia maritime boundary line, in addition to conducting Coast Guard missions and supporting oceanographic research. 



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP