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Published March 17, 2013, 12:00 AM

Photo Gallery: Aboard the Mackinaw breaking ice


The USCGC Mackinaw widens a channel through the ice near the docked John G. Munson by steaming along a path it had broken out earlier Sunday morning. The Mackinaw was in the Twin Ports over the weekend to help break ice in preparation for the upcoming shipping season. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)

  • The USCGC Mackinaw widens a channel through the ice near the docked John G. Munson by steaming along a path it had broken out earlier Sunday morning. The Mackinaw was in the Twin Ports over the weekend to help break ice in preparation for the upcoming shipping season. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • Members of the Mackinaw stow mooring lines after the ship left the dock behind the DECC Sunday morning. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • The Mackinaw heads up river Sunday morning. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • The Mackinaw breaks through the ice near Midwest Energy and the icebound Mesabi Miner. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • A block of just-broken ice turns on end as the Mackinaw steams past. The Mackinaw can continuously break through 32 inches of solid level ice at three knots. It can break through pressures ridges as much as 12 feet thick by ramming and backing. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • Four Great Lakes Towing Company’s tugs, as seen from the Mackinaw Sunday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • Ensign Jenifer Lopez (left) steers the Mackinaw Sunday under the guidance of Lt. Mathew Smith. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • Commander Mike Davanzo observes the operation of his ship from the bridge Sunday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • The Mackinaw’s number and motto, painted on the ship’s superstructure. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • A second emblem of the Mackinaw painted on the ship’s superstructure. “Mackinaw” is derived from Ojibwa for “Island of the Great Turtle.” (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • The Mackinaw moves through the ice as it prepares to leave Duluth Sunday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)
  • The Mackinaw departs Duluth Sunday. (Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com)