USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) ice rescue crew members gather their supplies on the frozen Ross Sea amid Operation Deep Freeze 2026, Jan. 15, 2026. Operation Deep Freeze is one of the more challenging U.S. military peacetime missions due to the harsh environment in which it is conducted, and this year also commemorates the Polar Star’s 50th year of service. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Bokum)