The icebreaker, USS Burton Island, heading Northeast from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, through ice field. View from bow, as she follows "groove" where ice field has separated and refrozen enabling the icebreaker to easily make way. As she progresses, the ice thickens and she slows, until the USS Burton Island finally stops. The ship's helicopter cranks up and warms up preparing to scout out easier pathways through the ice field. View from the low-flying helicopter, of a polar bear moving across ice flows. view of the icebreaker from returning helicopter. Since no "leads" could be found, the ship must use engine power. View of the engine room where sailors start more engines to increase the icebreaker's driving power. The icebreaker backs down from the ice sheet, and then as Captain calls for more forward power, a sailor on deck advances control, and the ship begins to break her way forward, through the ice.

This historic stock footage available in HD and SD video. View pricing below video player.