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US Coast Guard Icebreakers, Past and Present

Icebreakers are the largest cutters operated by the Coast Guard. These cutters have specifically designed features for open-water icebreaking, such as reinforced hulls, special icebreaking bows, and a system that allows rapid shifting of ballast to increase the effectiveness of their icebreaking.  In addition to their icebreaking duties, they serve in Arctic/Antarctic science and research functions,as well as providing supplies to remote stations.

There are also smaller vessels with icebreaking duties.  They serve on the Great Lakes, and in harbors and rivers, keeping US waterways open for maritime traffic during the winter months.

We are pleased to offer profile drawing of all of these ships by George Bieda, and special prints based on the original paintings by William RaVell III.  Scroll down and enjoy the artwork!

US Coast Guard Icebreaker Profile Drawings by George Bieda

The Polar Class Icebreakers

There are two ships in this Class, USCGC Polar Star WAGB 10, and USCGC Polar Sea WAGB 11. On the left is the Polar Star in her current configuration, while the image on the right shows the POLAR SEA as she appeared in the 1980s.  Click on either thumbnail for a larger view of George Bieda's artwork, then click your browser's BACK button to return here.  Be sure to select a ship, print size, and framing option when ordering!

The USCGC Mackinaw

Shown here is the USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83) as she was configured in the 1960's - 1970's.  Click on the thumbnail image for a larger view, then click your browser's BACK button to return here.  Be sure to select your print options when ordering!

Wind Class Icebreakers

In 1966, the US Navy transferred its 5 active Wind Class icebreakers to the Coast Guard, who then acquired two additional vessels.  George has done these ships in both their Navy Configuration and in their USCG colors, as shown here on the USCGC Burton Island (WAGB-283).  Be sure to select a ship and print options when ordering!

"USCG Icebreaker Northwind" by William RaVell III

The painting that is the basis for this print hangs in the permanent collection at the US Coast Guard Academy.  It depicts USCGC Northwind WAGB 282 breaking up a floating ice field to open navigation lanes.  The prints are reproduced on heavy weight, acid-free, archival stock using highly lightfast inks to ensure many years of enjoyment.  To view a larger image, click on the thumbnail, then click your browser's BACK button to return here. The print sizes listed are those of the actual image.  The print will include an all-around white border of approximately one inch.

"USCGC Eastwind in the Bering Strait" by Willima RaVell III

The original 14"X16" acrylic on canvas depicting the  U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind WAGB 279 breaking ice in the Bearing Straight, was commissioned by a collector from NJ.  This important 85 km. waterway separating Alaska in the US from Cape Dezhnev in Russia is ice covered from January through April, and is the only water connection between the Pacific and Artic Oceans. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view, then click your browser's BACK button to return here.

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All images of artists represented on this website are copyrighted; those images of works from the Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP) are copyrighted by, and provided courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard and its art program artists.