Media Advisory

Date: January 7, 2009

Contact: Lt. Kenny Pepper
USCGC Alder Public Affairs
(218) 529-3131 office 

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder provides media availability
for icebreaking operations  

DULUTH, Minn. - The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder (WLB-216) is inviting media to get underway for ice breaking operations here on Friday.

Duluth-area media outlets are invited to send a photographer and reporter to ride with Alder through Duluth/Superior, Wisc., Harbors back to the Coast Guard Station on Park Point.  Alder will conduct its icebreaking mission in support of the marine shipping industry's winter lay-ups during mid-January.

Alder is a 225-foot multi-mission buoy tender designed to break up to 36 inches of ice.

During the 2008-09 icebreaking season, the Alder has established and maintained navigable ice tracks in Duluth/Superior Harbor and Thunder Bay, Canada, for more than 30 commercial vessel transits.

Interested media can contact Alder's public affairs officer, Lt. Kenny Pepper at (218) 529-3131.

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