Lake Michigan waters around Door County will help the U.S. Coast Guard plan the next generation of heavy ice cutters.  The USCG cutter Mackinaw will spend three days around Chambers Island, Green Island, and Washington Island.  The Mackinaw will conduct equipment tests and performance evaluations in the area known as “The Triangle”.  U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Mark Gill says the ice conditions off of northern Door County provide ideal simulations of oceanic ice.

Cutter Mackinaw will not be coming into any ports nor come near any shore fast ice.  Gill says public interest in watching the ship is understandable.  He also says people need to keep their distance for their own safety.
 

Gill says this is the third time over the past several years that the Cutter Mackinaw has conducted tests in the waters around Chambers, Green, and Washington Islands.

USCG Cutter Mackinaw (U.S. Coast Guard Photo)