Bay of Islands sailor experiences ice-breaking mission to Antarctica

Leading Marine Technician (Electrical) Bingham, from Kerikeri, Northland, was one of two Royal New Zealand Navy sailors serving for three months aboard United States Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star.

Polar Star, now in its 50th year of service, supports the US mission Operation Deep Freeze. Every summer Polar Star breaks a channel through the sea ice to McMurdo Sound in Antarctica, enabling the resupply of the United States’ McMurdo Station and New Zealand’s Scott Base.

Leading Marine Technician Bingham, along with fellow sailor Able Hydrographic Systems Operator Joshua Phillips, disembarked Polar Star last week after the vessel called into Wellington, having spent 55 days below the Antarctic Circle.

The pair joined the ship in December in Hawaii, travelling directly to McMurdo where it established a seven-mile channel through ‘fast ice’, which is sea ice anchored to the coastline or sea floor.

Leading Marine Technician Bingham joined the Navy in 2019, two years after finishing at Kerikeri High School. He liked the idea of travel to interesting places, plus obtaining trade qualifications.

He responded to a Navy-wide email offering an opportunity for two sailors to post onto Polar Star. 

“I think Antarctica is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things, that not many people get to experience,” he said. 

Ice breaking lasted for nearly a week. It was not easy to sleep in the bow cabins, but fortunately he was accommodated mid-ship.

“There are certainly some differences between a Coast Guard vessel and one of ours, but sailors are sailors no matter what ship you’re on. 

“The crew of Polar Star made Josh and I feel immediately welcome. I’ve made some really great friends on this deployment, and every day has thrown up a really cool experience. Touring Scott Base and McMurdo Station was something very special.

“As a marine technician, I helped out where I could. It’s a diesel electric system and things are similar in our ships.” 

United States Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck, who met the pair in Wellington, said Royal New Zealand Navy seariders had become an integral part of Polar Star missions. 

“Their expertise and upbeat approach are always appreciated by everyone on board,” he said.

“The Royal New Zealand Navy’s continued involvement underscores the operational bond and mutual respect between our countries, providing valuable opportunities for joint training and exchange of best practices.”

Leading Marine Technician Bingham is continuing his sea-going duties with a new posting to HMNZS Taupo.

“I would tell my colleagues to just go for it if the opportunity comes up. It’s a really positive experience.”