This was a fun opportunity. I took a look at the StreamTime Live camera at Algonac, Michigan, this morning and realized that this Coast Guard ship that I'd seen for the first time yesterday was sitting where Morro Bay is normally sitting (she's down in Cleveland, Ohio, today.) So, I watched as they prepared for icebreaking duties.
Launched in 1977, Katmai Bay (a United States Coast Guard Cutter) is a 140 foot "Bay Class" cutter who helps with icebreaking, homeland security and law enforcement amongst other duties. Her home port is Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Read more about her specifications from the United States Coast Guard - Atlantic Area web site.
As you can see, she's very well secured to the docks via at least 8 different ropes - two in each of four spots.
As I watched, I was amused to see them adjusting the gangplank, which rested on a nearby picnic table! I guess anything will do, eh?!
Watching her depart was pretty exciting. She makes spectacular use of: "a low pressure air hull lubrication or bubbler system that forces air and water between the hull and ice" (from the USCG site mentioned above) which helps her with her icebreaking capabilities and reduces the horse power needed to operate this ship.
Notice, as well, that her stern sits a little lower so her bow is able to clear the water to come down on top of the ice as she begins her icebreaking mission.
As she heads off, the snow begins to fall quite heavily.
She makes a pass downbound, as far as the edge of Lake St. Clair (or wherever the ice situation improves...) and then returns a couple of hours later.
Noticing her nautical flags, I'm curious... and look them up.
First, we have the Ensign of the US Coast Guard flying next to the US flag. Wikipedia - public domain picture
Then we have the letters: N - R - L - X - which turns out to be its call sign. Cool!
One more pass as she heads downbound again.
Like all Bay-Class ships, Katmai Bay can cruise through ice up to 20 inches thick and can ram/break ice up to 3 feet thick! Through ramming, they can even create pressure ridges (weak points, I think) in 8 foot thick ice. Wikipedia. (Other Bay Class ships I've seen are Morro Bay (106), Neah Bay (105) and Biscayne Bay (104).)
Read more about Katmai Bay on Military Wikia and Wikipedia.
It was good to get to know Katmai Bay today.
Today's images are from:
StreamTime Live - Algonac, Michigan
The sharing of the pictures/cameras is encouraged for the education and enjoyment of all. Please take a look at these cameras on YouTube.
Note: Boatnerd also hosts shipping news, huge amounts of data about almost any "laker" and even many of the "saltie" visitors - and even a book called "Know Your Ships". I would encourage supporting his great work, especially as he has plans to add more cameras in 2021.
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Past Shipspotting Posts
Watching the Ships in Duluth, Minnesota
Watching the Ships at Port Huron, Michigan
Trains and Ships on the Mississippi, Fort Madison, Iowa
Year's End Shipping in Duluth - Dec 31, 2020 - featuring Algoma Guardian, American Spirit, Baie Comeau, Great Republic and Stewart J Cort.
Farewell Algoma Enterprise - Jan 5, 2021 - featuring Algoma Enterprise, Algoma Niagara and Joyce van Enkevort.
Mississagi's Final Voyage - Jan 5, 2021
Persistence Pays Off - Feb 11, 2021 - featuring Morro Bay, Samuel Risley, Griffon and Algosea.
The Buddy System - Feb 14, 2021 - featuring Griffon, Hollyhock, Algosea, Morro Bay, Algocanada and Iver Bright.
Freewrites that include ship pictures...
Winter, Writing and Winging It - featuring Drawsko and Federal Oshima.
Shipping-based art
Shipspotting Buzzes
Lakers:
American Steamship Company - American Integrity,
Canada Steamship Lines - Frontenac, Rt Hon Paul J Martin,
Interlake - James R Barker, Kaye E Barker,
Coast Guard:
Canadian - Samuel Risley
Salties:
BBC - BBC Swift
Two or more ships - Burns Harbor & Stewart J Cort,
Jamna, Sinaa, Torrent and Federal Dart,
USCG Biscayne Bay - 104, CCG Samuel Risley, Michigan w/ Great Lakes and USCG Morro Bay - 106
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This was an awesome post, and I got busy and missed the video from the dock, I hope someone saved it to youtube!
Also interesting about the flags as well, I didn't know that.
Beautiful pictures!
Thanks! I really enjoyed watching it. I don't normally see clips saved and reposted on StreamTime Live, so sadly, it's unlikely - and I don't have the required skills to do it. I was grateful the other day when Boatnerd's Detroit camera did that. I was also able to share the link and maybe direct some traffic back to his site.
I knew the flags meant something - because my grandparents kept a tea towel or poster with them at the top of the stairs - so I saw them all the time... but hadn't noticed them on these ships before. I'm glad I decided to look it up!