Another sign - winter is finally over!

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. COAST GUARD

************************* Coast Guard concludes ice breaking operations on the western Great Lakes for the 2008-2009 season

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - Commander, Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie concluded Operation Taconite this afternoon.

With the ice throughout the Western Great Lakes nearly melted, ice breaking in support of commercial navigation is no longer required.

Operation Taconite, the nation’s largest ice breaking operation, began on December 11, 2008, and ended April 23 2009.

During the 134 days of the ice breaking operation, the nine U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard ice breakers assigned to the operation spent more than 3,200 hours in the ice and conducted 209 vessel assists.

Additionally, aircraft from Traverse City, MI and Corpus Christi, TX flew more than 20 reconnaissance flights greatly enhancing the mission effectiveness of the cutters working below.

Despite the declining economy, U.S. and Canadian shipping companies reportedly moved nearly 9.5 million tons of iron ore, coal, limestone, road salt and petroleum cargoes during the operational period.

Further inquiries can be made by phone to Sault Vessel Traffic Service at (906) 635-3232 or via e-mail.

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