A few weeks ago I had the opportunity of a lifetime when I was selected as one of the lucky Coast Guardsmen to fly out to the site of a polar bear capture. The following is my summary of the helicopter trip:
It was quite a thrill to ascend off of the flight deck from the Coast Guard Cutter POLAR SEA. It was astonishing to see the POLAR SEA at different angles diminish quickly off into the distance.
While I was waiting on the helicopter, the mood was filled with anticipation of what was to come. Those who accompanied me were National Geographic Magazine filmmaker and producer Greg Marshall, Public Affairs Specialist Third Class Manns and photographer, Dan Cox. Before heading to the site, we saw polar bear tracks as clear as day in a circular pattern. Then, we spotted the group and the other helicopter.
After we landed, we met up with the scientists and assistants who were conducting surgery on the mother polar bear and its cub. As I stepped out of the helicopter, I was astonished to see both bears within only 40ft. The bears were under anesthesia. It was amazing to know that I could get as close as possible to them while taking photos. The most exciting part of the trip was actually getting very close to the mother bear as well as touching the cub's hair.
Eric, who assisted with surgery, had mentioned that surgery was not the most pleasant thing to see but was very important. I knew the purpose of the surgery and tracking devices. Moreover, the research, fieldwork, and samples would help us understand polar bears’ physiology and how they were adapting to current conditions which would help to protect their species.
The entire trip was surreal. What made it a very personal experience was being surrounded by a small group of people. And, we all experienced seeing polar bears in their natural environment and setting foot on ice where rarely do people venture on.
It was quite a privilege and an unforgettable experience that I was not expecting at all, especially coming from a small island like Guam. But only in the Coast Guard do opportunities like this present themselves. Thanks to everyone on the cutter who made this an unforgettable experience to share with others!
~SN Meno
About Me
- POLAR SEA
- Coast Guard Cutter POLAR SEA (WAGB 11) is the world's most powerful, conventionally propelled icebreaker. POLAR SEA was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Homeported in Seattle since being commissioned in 1977, POLAR SEA has operated around the globe. POLAR SEA is designed to perform science, icebreaking, and all Coast Guard missions in both polar regions. POLAR SEA has sailed all seven seas, crossed the Arctic Ocean, circumnavigated Antarctica, and visited ports in twenty-four foreign countries. As of fall 2009, POLAR SEA has made eighteen voyages to Antarctic and twenty-one voyages to the Arctic. POLAR SEA has been awarded four Coast Guard Unit Commendations, five Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner's Commendation.
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About Me
- POLAR SEA
- Coast Guard Cutter POLAR SEA (WAGB 11) is the world's most powerful, conventionally propelled icebreaker. POLAR SEA was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Homeported in Seattle since being commissioned in 1977, POLAR SEA has operated around the globe. POLAR SEA is designed to perform science, icebreaking, and all Coast Guard missions in both polar regions. POLAR SEA has sailed all seven seas, crossed the Arctic Ocean, circumnavigated Antarctica, and visited ports in twenty-four foreign countries. As of fall 2009, POLAR SEA has made eighteen voyages to Antarctic and twenty-one voyages to the Arctic. POLAR SEA has been awarded four Coast Guard Unit Commendations, five Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner's Commendation.
Blog Archive
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▼
2009
(18)
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October
(14)
- October 30, 2009Field Day Friday. The enthusiasm f...
- Deck Department, Crew Journal
- Deck Department, Crew Journal
- Deck Department, Crew Journal
- Deck Department, Crew Journal
- Deck Force Joural
- Crew Journal, Deck Department
- Crew Journal, Deck Department
- Crew Journal, Deck Department
- Crew Journal, Deck Department
- Crew Journal, Deck Department
- Ice Adventures
- Crew Journal, Deck Department
- Crew Journal, Deck Department
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