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At 9:40 AM Seattle-time on Monday September 12, HEALYand ODEN finally reached latitude 90 degrees north. The ice was thick and there were no leads (open water) for miles, it was 24 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind was 24 knots out of the south (of course, the wind is always blowing out of the south at the North Pole.) Both ships stopped in the ice and put over their brows to let people onto the floe. For four hours we toasted our success and took pictures of hand-held GPS units showing our location, the ships and the scenery, and even Santa Claus, who made a special, off-season appearance. The two ships were about 500 yards apart, and both crews quickly beat a path through across the ice to visit with their counterparts during a special 'North Pole Open House.' We were also honored to receive a congratulatory message from the Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area ('bravo zulu' is the naval code for 'job well done'): SUBJ: BRAVO ZULU ON REACHING 90 DEGREES NORTH 1. TO THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF USCGC HEALY AND ON BEHALF OF YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEMBERS OF THE PACIFIC AREA COMMAND, PLEASE ACCEPT MY HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR TRANSIT OF THE NORTH POLE. 2. THIS OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT EXEMPLIFIES THE DEDICATION AND SKILL OF THE HEALY AND HER CREW. AS ONE OF THE FEW SHIPS TO EVER REACH THE POLE, YOUR PLACE IN HISTORY IS AGAIN SECURED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT FEW HAVE EVER ACCOMPLISHED THIS GOAL -- AND HEALY IS THE FIRST US SURFACE SHIP TO DO IT TWICE. ACCOMPANIED BY THE SWEDISH ICEBREAKER ODEN, YOUR TRANSIT SERVES AS AN EXAMPLE OF INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL AND COOPERATION FOR THE SCIENCE COMMUNITY AND ALL COAST GUARD SHIPS ABROAD. 3. MY PERSONAL THANKS, AND BRAVO ZULU TO EACH OF YOU FOR YOUR MOMENTOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT WORTHY OF YOUR NAMESAKE, CAPTAIN MIKE HEALY. YOUR WORK AND SUCCESS BRING GREAT CREDIT UPON YOUR SHIP, PACIFIC AREA AND THE U.S. COAST GUARD. 4. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED. 5. VADM H. E. JOHNSON, JR SENDS.As I write this on Monday evening we have already left the Pole, heading for the eastern Arctic Ocean where we'll pursue more science objectives for the next 2 weeks before we leave the ice for the last time and sail to Tromso, Norway. Several crewmembers achieved professional milestones this week:
For Captain Dan Oliver, Command Master Chief Pete Perron and myself, thanks for all your support. You'll hear from us again next week. Ed Note: No pictures expected until the end of September or until reliable satellite comms are established. Photos are being taken and a complete "catch-up" will be forthcoming Another Ed Note: I had asked CDR Jackson to send me an email when Healy reached the North Pole. Here is his note:
Your first e-mail from the North Pole, as promised. We hit the mark at 0845 Alaska Time. 20 deg F, pretty tough ice for the last 30 miles, as you'd expect. We're in company with the Swedish icebreaker Oden, and both crews plan to get together on the ice shortly for a toast to the achievement. It's all downhill from here. Jeff Wow! Imagine an emal from the North Pole!. Thanks, Jeff, Cap'n and crew of Healy. |
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The Coast Guard Cutter Healy, homeported in Seattle, Washington.
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