When The Military and Science Come Together

The United States Coast Guard Icebreaker USCGC Healy is a vessel unique to all of the United States military services. It is the only surface vessel in the current military that is capable of operating in the cold, unforgiving environment of the Arctic Ocean. But it is more than that too.

This video, conducted by the Healy‘s commanding officer, Capt. Greg Tlapa, will give you a sense of the beauty, the amazing complexity, and the mission of this Coast Guard icebreaker. With the current heating up of Russian aggressiveness, the United States’ ability to protect and safeguard the Arctic waters is currently very limited, as the 27-year-old Healy is the only Coast Guard cutter/icebreaker currently operating. But the Coast Guard is currently well underway in building and launching new icebreakers that will be even more powerful and capable than the Healy. There are currently two in varying stages of construction, with more to come. The other still active icebreaker is the larger Polar Star, which is now 47 years old.

Photo: YouTube/USA Patriotism!

Capt. Tlapa’s tour of the Healy is fascinating. It is not only a military ship with a military mission, but it is also a sophisticated scientific research vessel. In this video tour, you will see how this all works together on this vessel that is very much like a small city.

Photo: YouTube/USA Patriotism!

The first thing you will see is what is called the Aloft Con. It is a part of the superstructure of the Healy. It stands about 40 feet above the bridge of the Healy. It serves a very important function in that it gives the ship a farther and broader view of the ice-covered seas ahead. It allows the Boatswain’s mate driving the boat to choose clearer paths through the ice and to avoid ice that is too thick or other obstructions ahead.

You will also see the helicopter control office. It is the air traffic control center for the helicopters that are aboard the Healy. It operates as any conning tower, or air traffic control tower, in landing and launching the helicopters.

Photo: YouTube/USA Patriotism!

One of the most fascinating parts of this ship is its science lab. The main lab is used for a wide variety of scientific studies that are consistent with the cold waters of the Arctic, the fish populations, the measurement of water temperature and ice melt, its effects on the sea and the environment, and much more.

One of the most fascinating ideas encountered in this tour of the Healy is that one of its more important pieces of equipment is a 3-D printer. Why is this fascinating? Because the Healy, when deployed, is a long way from any ports or stations; if it breaks down, the crew has to be able to replace parts, at least until they can get back to port. The 3-D printer can make those parts, and the crew can then “fix” the equipment until they get back to port. This blew my mind. It is a whole new world we are living in, and the USCGC Healy is right in step with these new technologies. Amazing.

Photo: YouTube/USA Patriotism!

The first of the new icebreakers for the USCG is to go into servive in 2025. It can’t come soon enough.

We wish the United States Coast Guard Fair Winds and Following Seas with their icebreaker mission, as well as the new ships coming in the future. Semper Paratus!

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