Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters
399-foot Polar Class Icebreakers (WAGB)
The largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard are the icebreakers. 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 and the newest and most technologically
advanced icebreaker, the Cutter
HEALY was added to the fleet in November
1999. They serve in Arctic/Antarctic serving science and research
as well as providing supplies to remote stations. All three icebreakers
are under the control of
Pacific Area, Ice Operations Section.
Polar Class Icebreakers in service:
|
Characteristics:
Length: |
399 ft |
Beam: |
83.5 ft |
Designed Draft: |
28 ft |
Top of Mast
Above Waterline: |
138 ft |
Displacement: |
13,194 tons |
Potable Water: |
26,586 gal |
General Cargo: |
400 tons |
Cargo Volume
(upper/lower hold): |
350/250 m3 |
Max Cargo Dimensions: |
7' W x 11' L x 7' H |
Commissioned: |
1976 & 1978 |
|