I will be going out on the Alder on Monday morning (March 16th). They will be checking the ice thickness in the shipping channels in the harbor; I will try to get some good pictures and video. Keeping the shipping lanes open in the harbor is the direct responsibility of the Alder. Local tugs handle the work closer to the docks; the Alder only goes in there on request, when needed.
Commander Kevin Wirth (right) on the bridge of the Alder as it prepares to go under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge in January.
Commander Kevin Wirth (right) on the bridge of the Alder as it prepares to go under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge in January.
This is the last ice breaking season here for LCDR Kevin Wirth, commanding officer on the Alder for the last 3-years. He has been a great leader, on his ship and within the community. He will be missed by many. Wirth and many of the officers and crew will be replaced in June, rotating off the usual 3-year tour of duty with our local cutter.
That’s him at the right on the bridge of the Alder as she went under the Lift Bridge this past January 16th.
This will not be a major ice-breaking trip since the first ship movement in the port is not expected to get under way until March 29th when the James R. Barker should be leaving with coal and the American Mariner is expected in to load iron ore pellets.
