According to the U.S. Coast Guard, domestic icebreaking operations in the Eastern United States and the Great Lakes have ended. In some regions, the severe winter lasted well into spring.

The Coast Guard also said that Operation Taconite, its final domestic icebreaking operation, has now ended. As ice across the Western Great Lakes has nearly melted, support for commercial navigation is no longer needed.

Throughout the season, Coast Guard crews and icebreaking assets kept essential supplies moving year-round. As a result, they supported U.S. commerce and national security.

The service also reported around 6,940 domestic icebreaking hours during the season. In total, more than 30 cutters and boats assisted, or enabled the transit of, 981 vessels. They also helped maintain the availability of critical waterways.

The season once again highlighted the demanding nature of winter operations in the Great Lakes. Freshwater ice, commercial traffic and changing weather create specific demands for icebreaking capability.

USCGC Mackinaw was among the vessels that supported these operations. The heavy Great Lakes icebreaker has long played an important role in winter navigation.


For more on the vessel and its design, read our article A Finnish Solution in North American Waters. The article looks at USCGC Mackinaw and the Finnish expertise behind her development for Great Lakes service.