CGC Alder by: David Schauer

David Schauer - Ice breaking operations have commenced in the Twin Ports with the USCGC Alder (WLB-216) making passes through the Duluth-Superior harbor.

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Ice breaking operations begins this week!

On schedule, The CGC Alder will be going out this week to begin opening the shipping channels.
More info will be coming soon!

CGC Alder and James R Barker arrived, John G Munson Departed Duluth 11/1...

CGC Alder and James R Barker arrived, John G Munson Departed Duluth this morning in thick fog.

CGC Alder and American Century arrived Duluth 04/02/2019

CGC Alder and American Century arrived Duluth this morning.

CGC Alder arrived Duluth 03/20/2019

CGC Alder arrived Duluth this evening to start cracking ice in its home port.

CG Cutters arriving today!

The CG Cutter Mackinaw and Alder will be arriving Duluth later today to break out the big boats.

CGC Alder on engine test 02/02/2018

Very unusual to see a boat out in the Duluth Harbor in early February, however, the CGC Alder needed to test out it's rebuilt engines and today was a good day to do it.

CGC Alder - animated image

This short video clip is actually created from a single image of the CGC Alder breaking the ice in the Duluth Harbor. Adds a little life to a single image.

Alder back in Port

The CGC Alder arrived in port this morning with lots of work ahead of her in the next few days.

CGC Alder arrived Duluth 02/22/2017

CGC Alder arrived Duluth at 19:00 Wednesday.

CGC Alder departed Duluth 2/22/2017

Stretching it's sea legs for the first time this season, the CGC Alder departed Duluth for a short mission onto Lake Superior. 

CGC Alder arrived Duluth 09/01/2015

CGC Alder arrived Duluth at 14:00 today.

Alder - March 2014 - Ahhh-Winter right around the corner!

This video is for John from Vero Beach Fl who's son is serving on the Alder.

Alder Departs Duluth Monday 3/16/2015

The CGC Alder departed this morning through the rapidly melting ice and returned shortly after.

CGC Alder is first boat through the Duluth Shipping Canal - 03/12/2015

As usual, the CGC Alder pushed under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge and out through the Shipping Canal as a preliminary run for the shipping opener that will be coming up soon.

Good to hear the boats again.

CGC Alder Making Tracks

Nature is quickly making CGC Alder's job much easier. The harbor ice is quickly breaking up and the ice on Lake Superior is shrinking rapidly.  I even let my chickens out in the yard this afternoon.

CGC Alder prepares for the season

With shipping season only a few weeks away, the CGC Alder is being prepared for another icy challenge.

Duluth Harbor Boat Traffic for 3/28/2014

Ice is taking it's toll in early Spring Shipping.
The CGC Alder towed in the broken CGC Morrow Bay after the Morrow Bay damaged it's rudder in heavy ice. The CGC Katmai Bay was also an escort.

CGC Alder towing CGC Morrow Bay
Normal Speed Video

4X Speed Video

Ice Maneuvers - CGC Alder

CGC Alder

CGC Alder slowly making headway

After taking a well deserved evening rest off the shores of Barkers Island in Superior, the CGC Alder once again began the task of breaking the first path through the thick Duluth-Superior Harbor ice-pack.
Before the Alder resumed it operation, it made for some interesting images in the early morning hours with temperatures hanging around 5F.

Tough going for the Alder

I walked out to the end of the Interstate Fishing Bridge this afternoon to watch the Alder backing and ramming into the thick harbor ice.  Winter does not want to give up the harbor easily. The Alder will earn its keep this year.