USCGC Healy: Newest Addition to Polar Fleet
Healy in ice
The Coast Guard Cutter HEALY is United States' newest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker. It was constructed as a result of an Interagency Polar Icebreaker study. The Ship is named in commemoration of Captain Michael A. Healy, a well know figure in Alaskan Arctic history. He was also commander of U.S. Revenue Cutters the Bear and Corwin in the late 1800’s. The Healy was designed as a high-latitude research vessel and has a wide variety of capabilities. With a length of 420 feet, and a beam of 82 feet it has a displacement of more than 16,000 tons.
The icebreaker is designed to cut through ice up to 4.5 feet thick, and can do this at speed of up to 3 knots. Interest in research in the Atlantic Arctic Ocean Basin is at an all time high. In addition to a main lab, there are also bio-chemical, electronic, meteorological, and photography labs. Key science systems and gear include a bottom mapping sonar system; an acoustic Doppler current profiler; a jumbo piston coring system; a continuous flow seawater sampling system; and a bow tower for clean air experiments. As a coast guard cutter, Healy is also a capable platform for supporting other potential missions in the polar regions, including logistical, search and rescue, ship escort, enforcement of laws and treaties as well as, environmental protection. The Healy is currently the Coast Guards only working large icebreaker. The other existing icebreakers are either being repaired as with the USCGC Polar Star, or being decommissioned as with the USCGC Polar Sea. All three vessels have their homeport in Seattle Washington.
August 2025
