Seaman Joseph Machtel, a member of deck department on Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10), smiles for a photo in his ice rescue gear during ice liberty in the McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, Jan. 2, 2023. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, most inhospitable continent on the globe, and each trip requires careful planning and coordination. U.S. military service members are trained and ready to support Operation Deep Freeze 2023 despite the austere environment. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Aidan Cooney)