23 May 2004

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 87

May 23, 2004, Sunday
5:00 PM Alaska time

We have spent the day traveling to the East Hanna Shoals (EHS). Our
progress to EHS is slower than anticipated because we are moving through
very large and thick ice floes. To break through ice, the Healy pushes
forward until it stops, then backs up using the just-cleared path to get
a running start for the next push forward. Using the distance of just
two lengths of the ship (approximately 840 feet), the Healy can get to a
ramming speed of 8 knots. With each forward push, we advance toward an
open water area called a lead. Leads can be seen in the distance using
the reflection they make on the clouds. Where there is a dark streak in
the clouds, there is a lead below. The Healy also uses helicopter
reconnaissance to scout the best path through the ice floes.

Ice that has been broken by the Healy. The estimated thickness is between 6 and 7 feet. Observe the blue color.

The ice lead we are moving toward. Notice the water’s dark grey reflection in the clouds.

Helicopter taking off for ice reconnaissance - photograph taken by Steve Roberts (UCAR/JOSS)

To see photographs taken by Steve Roberts of UCAR/JOSS, click here.