To the End of the Earth: The Ship

Polar Star Characteristics

Built by:		Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Co. Seattle, Washs

Keel Laid		15 May 1972
Launched		17 November 1973
Commissioned		17 January 1976

Length Overall		399'0"
Effective Keel Length		270'0"
Maximum Beam at 28' Draft		78'0"
Extreme Breadth		83'6"
Design Draft		28'
Top of Mast Above Waterline		138'2"
Height of Eye from Bridge		55'0" (8.7 nm to Horizon)
Height of Eye from Aloft Conn		104'0" (12.0 nm to Horizon)
Displacement (28' Draft)		10,863 Tons
Displacement (Full Load)		13,194 Tons

Horsepower Per Shaft (3 Shafts)
1 Diesel Engine/Shaft		3,000 Continuous
2 Diesel Engines/Shaft		6,000 Continuous
1 Gas Turbine/Shaft		20,000 Continuous 25,000 Demand Boost

Storage Capacity
Diesel Fuel		1,359,200 Gallons
JP-5 Fuel		46,419 Gallons
Lube Oil		13,660 Gallons
Potable Water		25,586 Gallons
General Cargo		400 Tons
Maximum Cargo Dimensions		7'W x 11'L x 7'H

Sustained Open Water Speed		15 Knots
Maximum Cruise Range		28,875 Miles
Endurance, diesels, full power		38 days
Continuous Icebreaking		6 feet at 3 knots

Ground Tackle
Anchors		Two 9000 lb. Navy Stockless
Chain		Two 900' Lengths, 2" Diameter
Breaking Strength		484,300 lbs.

Boats
Star 1		25' Motor Surf Boad (MSB)
Star 2		36' Landing Craft (LCVP)
Star 3		39' Arctic Survey Boat (ASB)
Star 4		36' Landing Craft (LCVP)
Star 5		24' Rigid Hull Inflatable (RHI)
Life Rafts		Eight 25 Person Inflatable

Armament		Two .50-caliber machine guns

Helicopters		Two HH65-A Aerospatiale Dolphins

Personnel Allowance
Commissioned Officers		15
Chief Petty Officers		15
Petty Officers		58
Non-Rated		46
Aviation Detachment		12
Total		146