BANGOR  — Congressman Mike Michaud is joining the regional Coast Guard commander for a ride on a 65-foot ice cutter as it breaks up ice on the Penobscot River.

Michaud and Rear Adm. Daniel Neptun will be aboard the cutter Tackle this morning as it works in tandem with the cutter Bridle breaking up ice in Bangor.

Michaud has a keen interest in the ice-breaking operations as a new member of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, which oversees laws relating to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard routinely breaks up ice on the Penobscot and Kennebec rivers from late December into March.