The National Science Foundation, which oversees the U. S. Antarctic Program, is conducting Operation Deep Freeze with the Coast Guard cutter Polar Star in Antarctica.  ,
The military started funding Antarctic research in 1955. The Joint Task Force- Support Forces Antarctica team continues to be led by U. S. Indo-Pacific Command in providing logistical support for the United States Antarctic Program.
The U.S. Antarctic Program’s logistics hub and largest station, McMurdo Station, is reached by fuel and supply ships using a channel created by the icebreaking cutter, which is essential to the operation.
Adélie penguins were seen walking close to the cutter in the McMurdo Sound as the crew practiced ice rescue techniques.
A combined and all-out force team collaborates to finish each year’s successful Operation Deep Freeze season. The mission is carried out by members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy who are active in the Guard and reserve.