Delivery Completed! The Human Side of Mission to Nome Updated 06:00 GMT Friday

Coast Guard Icebreaker Healy

It's a woman's world! The Icebreaker Healy had just finished a scientific cruise in the Bearing and Beaufort Seas, and was returning to Seattle, when she was diverted to assist the T/V Renda.

Captain Beverly A. Havlik has served on five Coast Guard cutters, including:

• Executive Officer, CGC POLAR SEA in Seattle, Washington (2007-2009)
• Commanding Officer, CGC SUNDEW in Duluth, Minnesota (2000-2003)
• Commanding Officer, CGC PEA ISLAND in Mayport, Florida (1994-1996)
• Executive Officer, CGC GENTIAN in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina (1992-1994)
• Operations Officer, CGC MARIPOSA in Detroit, Michigan (1987-1989)

Captain Havlik is a native of Nashua, Iowa, and a 1987 graduate of Officer Candidate School in Yorktown, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management - Human Resources Development, from the University of Northern Iowa.

Her military decorations include:the Meritorious Service Medal

• Four Coast Guard Commendation Medals
• Department of Transportation 9-11 Medal
• Three Coast Guard Achievement Medals
• The Commandant's Letter of Commendation
• Lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
  

The real power is apparent. Scientists and crew demonstrate how an icebreaker is really powered. So many people and disciplines were involve in this supply mission. In addition to the Officers and crew of the Healy and T/V Renda, personnel from Vitus Marine, Bonanza Fuel, observers from the State of Alaska, First Nations, and many more I'm probably not aware of.

It is people that make these adventures come to life!


This is my favorite photograph. The connection between two humans is overwhelming!

The Indefatigable Russian Tanker Renda

This little coast-wise tanker has a huge heart and an indomitable spirit!

From Captain Pete Garay, Alaska Marine Pilot, this late news via the Alaska Dispatch.

Update Jan 19 10:05 a.m. About three hours after the Renda completed transferring her fuel load to storage tanks on shore in Nome: Homeward Bound tomorrow (Friday) the Renda and Healy depart Nome for the "homeward" bound leg of each ship's respective voyage.

For the Renda's crew this marks the end of nine long months of working in ice with no breaks, no vacations, no cell phones and no computers. In short, none of the modern day luxuries that most of us take for granted. This is a crew worn thin not unlike the sailors of yesteryear who would often times spend countless months and sometimes years toiling before the mast.

The hard reality of life aboard the Renda is thus: It is a grinding existence rewarded only by Borscht, bread and a less than modest sum of Rubles. As to her living quarters, Renda is a floating steel cocoon whose hollow cavities are filled with weary-eyed seaman who like the Healy's crew share a simple wish. To return safely home.

I wish we had learned more about her crew. The Alaska Dispatch published a Captain Garay's diary of her voyage, a rare treat and interesting read for those who are truly intrigued by this voyage.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DAY

Wednesday January 18th was declared "Community Relations Day." The US Coast Guard, who enjoy a very "tight" relationship with Alaskans, invited Nomites to "Come on out" to the Healy to meet the crew and tour of the vessel.

In addition, the Coasties landed one of their helicopters near the Causeway, and gave the young and old a tour of one of their helicopters.

This, then, is the "Human Side" of the history making "Nome Energy Resupply Mission." Mission accomplished, without incident.

"Well Done! And an extra ration!"

See also:
The Renda Has Landed
Nome Prepares for Fuel Delivery
Nome Rescue Mission