USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) crew members observe an Australian-owned cruise ship that requested assistance, Jan. 17, 2026, during support to the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Operation Deep Freeze 2026. The U.S. National Science Foundation is the U.S. Government agency that promotes the progress of science, funds and manages the Antarctic Program. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)