POLAR STAR had a very productive and exciting week in the ice. We arrived in the OPAREA just in time to help finish the resupply mission. Our operations started at about 0200 Sunday morning just off Cape Bird. In the middle of tabular bergs we maneuvered to lower out small boat. Once the small boat was in the water it transited to the KRASIN to recover a Raytheon employee who acted as an interpreter for the ice escorts. It was an absolutely glorious morning with the sun low on the horizon, a fresh breeze off our starboard bow, and Mt Erebus glistening off to port. The transfer went smoothly and gave our boat crew an opportunity to view Antarctica from the Motor Surf Boat. After the approximately thirty minute evolution, BM1 Shiver commented that he had a much better appreciation for Ernest Shackelton and his party. When the boat was cradled we continued south to the fast ice.

As luck would have it, we were fortunate to have the interpreter. Shortly after he came aboard we received a radio call from a small Russian cruise vessel, the MARINA CVETAEVA. Her silver tongued expedition leader appealed to our Captain asking for an escort to McMurdo. Having not seen the channel and knowing how difficult the ice escorts were, Captain Toney politely declined. The expedition leader was not pleased and asked us to talk to the vessel's Russian captain. Our interpreter thoroughly explained the ice conditions and the Russian captain and expedition leader jointly made the prudent call not to enter the ice channel.

Immediately after the radio conversation we entered the fast ice. Once in the fast ice we conducted a brief ice operation to free the USNS LAWRENCE H. GIANELLA. She was hove to changing her PTO engine configuration for her steam north in the open ocean. To free the GIANELLA we passed up her starboard bow and then up her port. She attempted to come ahead, but was unable to get enough momentum to fall into our track. We then turned around and made another close pass up her starboard bow, freed her and she proceeded out to the open water in the freshly broken track.

After freeing the GIANELLA, we widened the ice channel as we proceeded to the pier to refuel. We took on 200,000 gallons of diesel to increase our ice breaking capability and to improve stability for the transit home. While at the pier the crew had an evening to walk about McMurdo and see the sights - Observation Hill, Shackelton's hut, and the local establishments (Gallaghers and the wine bar).

The next morning we got u/w from the ice pier and proceeded back out to the turning basin to groom an ice runway for winter C-130 flights into McMurdo Station. The grooming entailed increasing the width of the lower three miles of the channel from 100 to 800 feet. We diligently worked the lower channel attempting to break thick multi-year ice and then groom it into small rubble. As the week went on the days grew shorter and colder and the decision was made to release POLAR STAR from DF06. So, we said adieu to McMurdo Sound and headed north. Mission complete, time to go home.

OPS Corner - 6 February 2006

We continue at best possible speed enroute McMurdo Station. Each day we anxiously await the email from our liaison to find out the latest on the resupply mission. Today we learned that due to inclement weather (-10, snowing, 40 kt winds) the offload of the AMERICAN TERN slowed to almost a halt. Accordingly, their escort out of the turning basin is now scheduled for tomorrow vice today. If the schedule doesn't continue to slide to the right there is a possibility that the resupply may be completed before we make it to McMurdo. We are hoping the KRASIN is successful with the escort and with getting GIANELLA to the pier. But, we are preparing to contribute in any way we can.

This afternoon we had sea and land ice formation training to re-familiarize our OOD's and JOOD's with the dangers that lurk ahead. We will now need to be even more vigilant during our watches to ensure we avoid bergy bits and growlers. While we are the world's most powerful nonnuclear icebreaker - we have our limits too.

Today we continued to make excellent progress. Our 1-T-1 engine configuration coupled with a reasonable sea state continued to allow for a consistent 16 kt speed made good. The engineers have the plant turning, operation and deck have us pointed in the right direction, and supply is keeping us well stocked and fed. Our good fortune has the crew itching for the ice. We are beginning to feel the cool breezes of the southern ocean and all the usual sights that go with it (i.e. LT Ramos in his blue coat and watch cap). We can almost taste the ice now.

We will continue to cross our fingers for good weather as the clock winds down on this years deep freeze. The big red boat is a coming.

/s/ Jason R. Hamilton, LCDR

From the Morale Officer

With less than 48 hours notice to get underway, the crew of the POLAR STAR worked quickly and efficiently to get the last minute details in order before saying good-bye to friends and loved ones. Within hours, we were out in the open ocean steaming on our long journey South. It didn't take long before the crew got into the swing of things and put their "game faces" on. It is my job as the Morale Officer and that of the Morale Committee to make sure everyone is afforded an opportunity to relax and have a little fun en route to our destination.

The most popular morale event has been POLAR STAR's "Drive In Movies". Our handy boatswain mate's sewed us a projector screen out of bed linens that we tie in front of our hangar door and project movies onto. The crew voted and we have been playing the most requested movies. We enjoyed watching "Pirates of the Caribbean" just hours before crossing the equator and we watched "Wedding Crashers" a few days later. The seasoned crew of POLAR STAR did not forget their beach chairs because they remember how uncomfortable it was to relax on non-skid. Many make stops by the ship store before hand to ensure a ready supply of drinks, candy, and bags of popcorn. There is nothing better than sitting under the stars on a warm evening enjoying a good movie.

Morale has also hosted a BINGO night that was a big success. We filled the mess deck to capacity with players, and the galley put out a nice spread of hors d'oeuvres for all to enjoy. The Chief's Mess had volunteered to be the callers and we alternated between games of regular and speed BINGO. The grand prize was a gift card to Best Buy to enjoy once we get back to the States. Thanks to the great turn out, we hope to make this a weekly event.

Many decided to take advantage of the warm climate while traveling through the tropics. "Steel Beach" was opened on the flight deck after work hours and during holiday routine. Many sat on the flight deck enjoying a good book or a few laughs while some opted for a work out by running laps around the ship or playing basketball in the hangar.

With only a few short days to go before reaching the ice, the crew of the POLAR STAR is anxiously anticipating the opportunity to do what we do best, and for many members, their first time to experience the wonder and beauty that can only be found in Antarctica.

/s/ Tamara B. Whalen, ENS