The Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star and its sister ship, Polar Sea, are the world's most powerful non-nuclear icebreakers, homeported in Seattle, Wash. Polar Star's primary missions include scientific support in the Arctic and Antarctic, ice escort for shipping, and logistics support for U.S. interests in both polar regions. The ship is equipped to function as a major scientific platform with laboratories, offices, and sleeping quarters for 20 scientists and technicians. Polar Star also is capable of search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental response operations.
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