In 1948, the USCG NORTHWIND departed Seattle to head up the Bering Sea Patrol. The patrol was responsible for improving the Coast Guard navigation outposts in the Aleutian Islands, replenishing food and fuel supplies and providing mail service. Law enforcement was provided by the "Floating Court" headed by District Judge Joseph Kehoe. The court traveled on the Northwind from May 14 June 4, 1948 to Nunivak Island, ST. Lawrence Island, Golovin.

Other patrol services included medical care for natives and government personnel provided by the US Public Health Service, nutritionists, Alaska Native Service welfare workers and educators as well as a scientific team studying ethnology from the Peabody Museum at Harvard. The photographer is unidentified. A USCG narrative of the journey is enclosed