LCDR Eben H. Phillips will present on the
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter POLAR STAR: A Journey back to Mission Ready Status
A few years ago it was questionable whether the POLAR STAR, a 399’ icebreaker, would
ever return to ice-filled waters. Today, after a three year maintenance period, including
$67M in contracted services, she is back at Pier 36, ready to serve as America’s only active
Antarctic icebreaker. LCDR Eben Philips will talk about the decision to renovate POLAR
STAR, maintenance items that have been completed, and the months of commissioning and
operational training required after years of inactive service.
LCDR Phillips served as the POLAR STAR’s Chief Engineer and currently serves as the
cutter’s Port Engineer here in Seattle, WA.