A Rescue Mission to Nome, Alaska

Coast Guard icebreaker Healy and tanker Renda have completed their mission to Nome, Alaska, after the safe delivery of an estimated one million gallons of diesel and 300,000 gallons of gasoline to the iced-in city.

Healy remains offshore as tanker vessel Renda’s transfers fuel to Nome. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric J. Chandler.

Two hoses were used to complete the transfer of the much needed fuel across more than 500 yards of ice. Fuel transfer operations began Monday and continued until all the fuel was safely delivered to an on shore fuel tank storage facility.

“I grew up in a small town in Iowa, about half the size of Nome, and I know that it takes the community spirit and community cooperation to get a big job done,” said Capt. Beverly Havlik, commanding officer of Healy. “And working with all the partners that were involved in this mission to bring fuel to Nome – from the Native community, to the state agencies, to the federal agencies and then just a lot of interested volunteers – we got a big job done.”

The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Healy must turn their focus towards freeing the Renda from the ice, where it was purposely frozen during the fuel transfer. Healy will then lead Renda back across more than 360 miles of sea ice to the open waters of the Bering Sea. Safe travels for Healy and Renda’s crews as they head home and congratulations on a job well done!

For more information contact Petty Officer 1st Class David Mosley at 907-321-4510. www.uscg.mil

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If you missed Healy’s mission to Nome, check out Compass’ updates and rediscover their journey.