COMDTINST 16155.2D — Polar Icebreaker Cruise Reports

COMDTINST 16155.2D governs polar icebreaker cruise reporting after deployments to the Arctic or Antarctic.

Search COMDTINST 16155.2D

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 16155.2D
  • Title: POLAR ICEBREAKER CRUISE REPORTS
  • Date: 10/11/2024
  • Proponent: CG-PCO

View COMDTINST 16155.2D on armypubs.army.mil


It requires final Cruise Reports from commanding officers of polar icebreakers and addresses report content, format, distribution, and repositories. It also covers special reporting requirements for non-polar icebreaking units and follow-up correspondence for recommendations requiring action.

Applies to: All Coast Guard unit commanders, commanding officers, officers-in-charge, deputy/assistant commandants, and chief of headquarter directorates must comply with the policies contained.

Topics covered

  • Polar icebreaker cruise reports
  • Arctic and Antarctic deployments
  • Cruise Report submission deadlines
  • Non-polar icebreaking unit reporting
  • Cruise Report repositories
  • Operational Control deployments

Questions and answers

When must polar icebreaker commanding officers submit a final Cruise Report?

Commanding officers of polar icebreakers shall submit a final Cruise Report electronically to the operational commander and Commandant (CG-PCO) at SMBCOMDT-Polar@uscg.mil, with information copies to entities listed in Appendix B of Reference (a), within 60 days of the conclusion of patrol.

What deployments do the Cruise Report requirements cover?

Polar Icebreaker Cruise Reports, as required by this Instruction, satisfy the cruise reporting requirements for all deployments under both Coast Guard and Department of Defense Operational Control (OPCON). (paragraph 5)

What must operational commanders do for non-polar icebreaking unit deployments?

Operational commanders shall specify special reporting requirements for deployments of non-polar icebreaking units in tasking letters or operations orders, as appropriate, if a Cruise Report is desired due to the nature of their patrol.

How should recommendations requiring action in Cruise Reports be followed up?

Recommendations submitted in the Cruise Reports requiring action should be followed up by correspondence to the appropriate command or through the proper channels.

Who maintains the repository of Cruise Reports?

Operational commanders are responsible for maintaining a repository of Cruise Reports for reference for program management and answering queries from Congress, the Administration, and the public.

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