Healy, Renda reach ice-free water

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter Healy and tanker vessel Renda crews reached the ice-free portion of the Bering Sea late Sunday afternoon.

The two vessels are now parting ways as the Healy returns to homeport in Seattle.

"Throughout this historic journey the Coast Guard has benefited from federal, state and local partnerships to deliver the critical fuel supply to the City of Nome," said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, 17th Coast Guard District commander. "Our number one priority in the last leg of this evolution is to continue ensuring the safety of both crews and the safety of the environment."

During the delivery of more than 1.3 million gallons of fuel to the city of Nome and subsequent return, the Healy escorted the Renda through about 800 miles of ice-covered Bering Sea. The delivery was necessary due to an early winter storm that prevented a scheduled fuel resupply to the city.

Click here for hourly images from the Coast Guard Cutter Healy.

Click the links below to see background information on the mission:

Multimedia Release: Healy, Renda begin departure from Nome

Multimedia Release: Update of Coast Guard Operations in Nome

Nome fuel delivery complete, vessels prepare for departure

Multimedia Release: Renda begins Nome fuel transfer

Photo Release: Coast Guard, tanker Renda prepare for fuel transfer

Video Release: Coast Guard, tanker Renda prepare for fuel transfer

Imagery Available: Coast Guard Cutter Healy, Russian tanker vessel Renda arrive in Nome

Multimedia Release: Healy, Renda seen from Nome

Renda passes port state control exam, operation moves forward

Cutter Healy, Renda to bring aid to Nome