Operation Deep Freeze begins at Antarctica

USAF C-17 Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica. (USAF Photo)

Editor Note: Anyone equipped with UHF milsat capability and with visibility to the Pacific UHF Milsats should keep an eye on 263.625 MHz NFM. Check out the following HF frequencies if you have shortwave capability -- McMurdo Sector (Operated by U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force in New Zealand and Antarctica:  5726.0  6708.0 9032.0 11256.0 13251.0 / 2182.0 4123.0 (Emergency) / 4718.0 kHz(Helicopters)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The U.S. military will kick off the 2013-2014 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) and the National Science Foundation, with C-17 operations on Oct. 9 and LC-130 operations beginning Oct. 28.

Operation Deep Freeze involves U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard forces, operational and logistic support of the NSF's scientific research activities in Antarctica.

This support is provided by the Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, led by Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. JTF-SFA coordinates strategic inter-theater airlift, tactical deep field support, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling, and transportation requirements.

Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, is the staging point for deployments to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, a key research and operations facility for the USAP.

Operation Deep Freeze is unlike any other U.S. military operation. It is one of the military's most difficult peacetime missions due to the harsh Antarctic environment. The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided support to the USAP since 1955.

Active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard work together as part of the Joint Task Force. This team proudly continues the tradition of U.S. military support to the USAP and demonstrates the United States' commitment to a stable Pacific region.

Airlift for Operation Deep Freeze involves active duty and reserve C-17 Globemaster III support from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; LC-130 Hercules support from the New York Air National Guard, sealift support from the U.S. Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command, engineering and aviation services from U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and cargo handling from the U.S. Navy.

New York Air National Guard kicks off Antarctic science support Tuesday

Master Sgt. Carmello Modesto loads equipment sleds destined for the U.S. Antarctic Program's South Pole research station into the back of an LC-130 Hercules. (Defense Department photo)

 STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Scotia, N.Y. - The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing kicks off its annual support for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica as ski-equipped LC-130s head for Antarctica on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Two aircraft will depart on the five-day, 11,000- mile trip to Antarctica on each day. A total of six ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft will be on the ice during the October to February period. These aircraft will support the National Science Foundation's research in the Antarctic running supplies and people to field camps across the continent and the South Pole station.

The ski-equipped LC-130s operated by the 109th Airlift Wing are the only aircraft in the United States military capable of landing on snow and ice. This is the 24th year that the 109th will support operations in Antarctica.

The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing plays a critical role in supporting National Science Foundation research across Antarctica. About 120 members of the New York Air National Guard will be deployed to Antarctica throughout the support season. The airmen deploy for 30 to 60 days each, working two 12-hour shifts to cover 24-hour operations, six days each week. They work a half-day on Sunday.

Based at the United States Antarctic Program base at McMurdo Station, the 109th is slated to fly more than 350 missions across the continent, with more than half of those moving passengers, cargo and fuel to the South Pole. The majority of supplies that reach the United States Amundsen–Scott Base at the South Pole are ferried there by the 109th Airlift Wing.

Despite the cold, the maintenance crews normally attain a high reliability rate for each aircraft, allowing the flight crews to carry as much cargo as possible to remote Antarctic outposts. The wing accumulates roughly 3,000 hours of flying time in the 16-week season. This is almost as much as most Air National Guard C-130 units fly in a year.

All maintenance performed on the aircraft is done outside on the snow and ice without the use of hangars. This requires maintainers to undergo specialized training for both maintenance procedures and personal extreme weather survival training.

U.S. military support for Operation Deep Freeze is a Pacific Command responsibility organized as Joint Task Force -Support Forces Antarctica. The Joint Task Force includes cargo and fuel tanker ships provided by Military Sealift Command, active-duty and Reserve C-17 support from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules flown by the 109thAirlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.
The airlift part of Operation Deep Freeze operates from two primary locations with C-17s situated at Christchurch, New Zealand, and LC-130 Hercules forward based at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, beginning in late October.

Operation Deep Freeze main season begins

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The U.S. military recently kicked off the 2012-2013 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.

The operation began with C-17 Globemaster III operations Sept. 29 and will continue with LC-130 Hercules operations beginning Oct. 18.

Operation Deep Freeze involves U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard forces providing operational and logistical support of the NSF's scientific research activities in Antarctica.

This support is provided by the Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, led by Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. JTF-SFA coordinates strategic inter-theater airlift, tactical deep field support, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling and transportation requirements.

Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, is the staging point for deployments to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, a key research and operations facility for the USAP.

Operation Deep Freeze is unlike any other U.S. military operation, according to officials. It is one of the military's most difficult peacetime missions due to the harsh Antarctic environment. The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided support to the USAP since 1955.

Active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard work together as part of the joint task force. This team continues the tradition of U.S. military support to the USAP and demonstrates the United States' commitment to a stable Pacific region, officials said.

Airlift for Operation Deep Freeze involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; LC-130 support from the New York Air National Guard; sealift support from the U.S. Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command; engineering and aviation services from U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command; and cargo handling from the U.S. Navy.

McChord C-17 crews begin WinFly to Antarctica

by Staff Sgt. Sean Tobin, 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (AFNS) -- The 62nd Airlift Wing began the winter flying period Aug. 20 as part of its support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.

The period, known as WinFly, is scheduled to last until Aug. 28 and will deliver advance teams and cargo for the upcoming main season of Operation Deep Freeze.

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft operated by the 62nd AW and its Reserve associate wing, the 446th AW, will deploy to transport NSF personnel and cargo to Chistchurch International Airport, New Zealand.

Christchurch is the starting point for forward deployment to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

WinFly and ODF are unlike any other U.S. military operations and present unique challenges for all members involved.

"Flying into Antarctica during WinFly is challenging because it is dark almost all day," said Maj. Matt Armstrong, 62nd Operations Group executive officer.

Unlike a traditional concrete runway, the airfield is carved out of the ice making it very difficult to discern the runway from the surrounding ice, said Armstrong.

Traditional airfield lighting is not feasible in the remote, icy airfield, so special reflectors are placed along either side of the runway to help the aircraft's lights reflect back into the cockpit.

"We have to adjust for crosswinds early and make a very straight approach to the runway," said Lt. Col. Brent Keenan, the 62nd Operations Group deputy commander and ODF commander. "Otherwise the light from the aircraft would not hit the reflectors and we would not be able to see the runway."

Another factor that makes WinFly missions difficult is the extremely low temperatures that occur in Antarctica during the month of August, which is wintertime in the southern hemisphere.

"Temperatures get so low in flight that the pilots have to make sure that the fuel in the wings doesn't get so cold that it turns into a gel," said Armstrong.

The Air Force is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has provided support to U.S. Antarctic research since 1955.

"This is a small subset of missions we do no matter what conflicts are going on elsewhere in the world," said Keenan. "It's a unique mission and it's all about furthering science."

Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, led by Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is scheduled to begin the Operation Deep Freeze main season at the end of September.

DOD, National Guard’s Operation Deep Freeze 2011-2012 season concluded

By Air Force Maj. Jonathan Hannon, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Following the redeployment of the last two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Stewart Air National Guard Base, the personnel participating in the 2011-2012 edition of Operation Deep Freeze can lay claim to yet another successful and history-making season.

ODF is the U.S. military's support to science and research activities conducted by the U.S. Antarctic Program. ODF is a joint, inter-agency operation under the direction of the National Science Foundation and led by Air Force Lt Gen Ted Kresge, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica commander.

“Deep Freeze is one of our toughest missions, requiring strong leadership and precise teamwork by the deployed joint force on the ice in Antarctica and at Christchurch, New Zealand,” Kresge said.

“Year after year, the JTF-SFA proves it can excel and successfully operate in any environment and take on any challenge,” he said. “I'm rarely surprised at the extraordinary accomplishments of this team, but this year is truly an exception and I'm beyond proud of all the hard work this team has done for the National Science Foundation.”

During the 2011-2012 season, six ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the 109th Airlift Wing, Stratton Air National Guard Base, New York, flew 359 missions between McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and 18 inland Antarctic destinations, transporting more than seven million pounds of cargo and fuel and more than 1,600 passengers.

In addition, C-17A aircraft from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, flew 72 inter-continental missions between New Zealand and McMurdo Station, carrying over six million pounds of cargo and more than 5,000 passengers.

Tasked with providing a major component of logistical support to many Antarctic locations, JTF-SFA aircraft also responded to requests for assistance on multiple occasions in support of the NSF and New Zealand Rescue Coordination Center.

On June 28, for the first time in history, a C-17 aircraft performed an operational mid-winter landing at McMurdo Station with the aid of night vision goggles. Having to navigate around massive ash clouds from volcanic activity in Chile and facing -42 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures in McMurdo, the crew, in cooperation with a Pacific Air Forces Critical Care Air Transport Team, performed an evacuation of a critically-ill program participant to New Zealand.

In August during winter fly-in missions, JTF-SFA was instrumental in coming to the aid of a seriously-ill program participant at the US Amundsen-Scott South Pole station where air temperatures below -60 degrees Fahrenheit prohibited any aircraft landings. The C-17 airdropped two bundles of urgently-needed medical supplies.

On Dec. 15, the Russian fishing trawler Sparta became stranded in heavy sea ice and struck a submerged iceberg, tearing a hole in its hull.

An LC-130 aircraft was called upon to provide aerial reconnaissance of and communication links to the vessel, allowing for a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 aircraft to later airdrop three parcels on an ice floe next to the ailing ship.

Less than a month later, seven crew members severely injured in a fire aboard the South Korean-flagged fishing vessel Jeong Woo 2 were transported to McMurdo Station, where they were triaged and treated by U.S. Air Force and contracted medical personnel, and airlifted to Christchurch via an LC-130 aircraft.

Throughout the season, C-17 and LC-130 aircraft carried participants from the Australian, Italian, New Zealand, and South Korean Antarctic programs under scientific collaborative agreements with the NSF.

Transportation was also provided to such dignitaries as the Prime Minister of Norway, King of Malaysia, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Director of the National Science Foundation, the commanders of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, and a Congressional delegation, among others.

Maritime activities in Antarctica began in January with the arrival of the NSF-contracted Russian icebreaker, Vladimir Ignatyuk. The icebreaker cut through 12 miles of ice in preparation for the arrival of the Military Sealift Command-contracted fuel tanker, Maersk Peary, on Jan. 27. The Peary off-loaded more than 6.75 million gallons of fuel and departed McMurdo Station on Feb. 2.

Following the departure of the Peary, the MSC-contracted MV Green Wave arrived McMurdo on Feb. 14, carrying over 300 units of USAP cargo representing the program's annual food, parts and other supplies. Peary also carried the 331st Transportation Company's Modular Causeway System. Unusual winter conditions resulted in McMurdo's seasonal ice pier being insufficient for supporting cargo operations (it was sound enough to allow fuel off-load to proceed normally).

The ice pier situation resulted in an urgent request by NSF for assistance through U.S. Transportation Command, answered by the U.S. Army.

True to their motto “causeway or no way,” 42 soldiers assembled the causeway in challenging weather conditions. It was the first construction of its type in extreme cold-weather and icing and permitted the off-load of nearly seven million pounds of cargo and a backload of more than 8.7 million pounds of retrograde cargo.

This substantial cargo transfer was assisted by the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion-One sailors from Williamsburg, Va., who worked around-the-clock to complete the cargo transfer in just eight days while battling sub-freezing temperatures and sustained Antarctic winds.
“You cannot say enough about the dedication of these Soldiers and Sailors. Their actions speak volumes about their character and their caliber,” Kresge said. “Really, it's been a remarkable season--from beginning to end. The whole JTF-SFA team displayed unprecedented flexibility in accomplishing the mission. After two years with JTF-SFA, I've certainly learned there are no limits to what this joint force can do.”

For 54 years the NSF has depended on the skills and unique abilities of Airmen, Soldiers, and Sailors to ensure safe delivery of life-sustaining fuel and cargo for research scientists and residents in Antarctica. The 2012-2013 ODF season will begin in August 2012 or as directed by the NSF.

History-making Op Deep Freeze 2011-2012 season concluded

by Maj. Jonathan Hannon, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii -- Following the redeployment of the last two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., the personnel participating in the 2011-2012 edition of Operation Deep Freeze can lay claim to yet another successful and history-making season.

ODF is the U.S. military's support to science and research activities conducted by the U.S. Antarctic Program. ODF is a joint, inter-agency operation under the direction of the National Science Foundation and led by Lt Gen Ted Kresge, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica commander.

"Deep Freeze is one of our toughest missions, requiring strong leadership and precise teamwork by the deployed joint force on the ice in Antarctica and at Christchurch, New Zealand. Year after year, the JTF-SFA proves it can excel and successfully operate in any environment and take on any challenge," said Lt. Gen. Kresge. "I'm rarely surprised at the extraordinary accomplishments of this team, but this year is truly an exception and I'm beyond proud of all the hard work this team has done for the National Science Foundation."

During the 2011-2012 season, six ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft from the 109th Airlift Wing, Stratton Air National Guard Base, N.Y. flew 359 missions between McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and 18 inland Antarctic destinations, transporting more than seven million pounds of cargo and fuel and more than 1,600 passengers. In addition, C-17A aircraft from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at Joint Base Lewis-McChord flew 72 inter-continental missions between New Zealand and McMurdo Station, carrying over six million pounds of cargo and more than 5,000 passengers.

Tasked with providing a major component of logistical support to many Antarctic locations, JTF-SFA aircraft also responded to requests for assistance on multiple occasions in support of the NSF and New Zealand Rescue Coordination Center.

On June 28, for the first time in history, a C-17 aircraft performed an operational mid-winter landing at McMurdo Station with the aid of night vision goggles. Having to navigate around massive ash clouds from volcanic activity in Chile and facing -42° F temperatures in McMurdo, the crew, in cooperation with a Pacific Air Forces Critical Care Air Transport Team, performed an evacuation of a critically-ill program participant to New Zealand.

In August during winter fly-in missions, JTF-SFA was instrumental in coming to the aid of a seriously-ill program participant at the US Amundsen-Scott South Pole station where air temperatures below -60° F prohibited any aircraft landings. The C-17 airdropped two bundles of urgently-needed medical supplies.

On Dec. 15, the Russian fishing trawler Sparta became stranded in heavy sea ice and struck a submerged iceberg, tearing a hole in its hull. An LC-130 aircraft was called upon to provide aerial reconnaissance of and communication links to the vessel, allowing for a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 aircraft to later airdrop three parcels on an ice floe next to the ailing ship. Less than a month later, seven crew members severely injured in a fire aboard the South Korean-flagged fishing vessel Jeong Woo 2 were transported to McMurdo Station, where they were triaged and treated by U.S. Air Force and contracted medical personnel, and airlifted to Christchurch via an LC-130 aircraft.

Throughout the season, C-17 and LC-130 aircraft carried participants from the Australian, Italian, New Zealand, and South Korean Antarctic programs under scientific collaborative agreements with the NSF.

Transportation was also provided to such dignitaries as the Prime Minister of Norway, King of Malaysia, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Director of the National Science Foundation, the commanders of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, and a Congressional delegation, among others.

Maritime activities in Antarctica began in January with the arrival of the NSF-contracted Russian icebreaker, Vladimir Ignatyuk. The icebreaker cut through 12 miles of ice in preparation for the arrival of the Military Sealift Command-contracted fuel tanker, Maersk Peary, on Jan. 27. The Peary off-loaded more than 6.75 million gallons of fuel and departed McMurdo Station on Feb. 2.

Following the departure of the Peary, the MSC-contracted MV Green Wave arrived McMurdo on Feb. 14, carrying over 300 units of USAP cargo representing the program's annual food, parts and other supplies. Peary also carried the 331st Transportation Company's Modular Causeway System. Unusual winter conditions resulted in McMurdo's seasonal ice pier being insufficient for supporting cargo operations (it was sound enough to allow fuel off-load to proceed normally). The ice pier situation resulted in an urgent request by NSF for assistance through U.S. Transportation Command, answered by the U.S. Army.

True to their motto "causeway or no way," 42 soldiers assembled the causeway in challenging weather conditions. It was the first construction of its type in extreme cold-weather and icing and permitted the off-load of nearly seven million pounds of cargo and a backload of more than 8.7 million pounds of retrograde cargo. This substantial cargo transfer was assisted by the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion-One sailors from Williamsburg, Va., who worked around-the-clock to complete the cargo transfer in just eight days while battling sub-freezing temperatures and sustained Antarctic winds.

"You cannot say enough about the dedication of these Soldiers and Sailors. Their actions speak volumes about their character and their caliber," said Gen Kresge. "Really, it's been a remarkable season--from beginning to end. The whole JTF-SFA team displayed unprecedented flexibility in accomplishing the mission. After two years with JTF-SFA, I've certainly learned there are no limits to what this joint force can do."

For 54 years the NSF has depended on the skills and unique abilities of Airmen, Soldiers, and Sailors to ensure safe delivery of life-sustaining fuel and cargo for research scientists and residents in Antarctica. The 2012-2013 ODF season will begin in August 2012 or as directed by the NSF.

South Pole airdrop delivers critical medical supplies in total darkness

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFNS) -- Airmen with the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron here airdropped urgently needed medical supplies Sept. 1 at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica.

The supplies will augment a South Pole medical team's treatment of an ailing civilian wintering there with the U.S. Antarctic Program.

Although accessible by ski-equipped aircraft during the summer season, extreme cold winter temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 degrees below zero, plus continual darkness and strong winds, rule out traveling 800 miles overland and prohibit landing any aircraft at the pole during the winter. South Pole physicians and staff must therefore handle all medical emergencies themselves.

Upon learning that one the staff members at South Pole required additional medical supplies, the National Science Foundation, which is the lead agency for the U.S. Antarctic Program, formally requested help from its inter-agency partner, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica. Lt. Gen. Stanley T. Kresge, the commander of both 13th Air Force and JTF-SFA, based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, called upon his attached C-17 Globemaster III forces, deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wa., to provide a solution.

The solution: a parachute-enabled C-17 air-drop of medical supplies in bitter cold and complete darkness using night-vision devices. Although JTF-SFA plans for such missions and trains for this requirement during the summer season, this is the first time a C-17 has attempted a mid-winter, nighttime air-drop at the South Pole, according to officials.

Lt. Col. Robert Wellington, the commander of the 304th EAS, assigned C-17 weapons and tactics instructor pilot Maj. Rick Kind to plan the mission. Wellington, Kind and the JTF-SFA team worked closely with NSF planners to execute the mission.

The typical Operation Deep Freeze mission consists of a 4 1/2-hour flight from Christchurch to McMurdo, with only one hour on the ground before returning to New Zealand. By being able to combine missions, the C-17 crew simply added the 2 1/2-hour flight over the South Pole after the routine stop at McMurdo. Once over the South Pole, the crew released two parachute-supported 200-lb bundles of supplies before heading back to Christchurch.

"During the winter, the only option was to airdrop supplies in," said Lt. Col. Edward Vaughan, Operation Deep Freeze's interim director of joint operations. "Rapid global mobility is one of the Air Force's core capabilities in supporting the joint military team. Year-round airdrop at the South Pole is one of the specific capabilities that the 304th EAS brings to JTF-SFA operations."

Since the South Pole has 24 hours of darkness during the polar winter, the use of night-vision goggles was essential for the mission, officials said. Scheduling the delivery around daylight was not a factor.

"The complex mission, utilizing NVGs to first land at McMurdo and then later acquire the South Pole drop zone, exploited the unique capability of the aircraft and validated the operational procedures developed and the training accomplished over the last several ODF Seasons," Wellington said. "It was the first C-17A winter airdrop at the pole and presents a stellar example of inter-agency cooperation."

According to Kevin Schriner, an NSF contractor and network administrator at the South Pole, the air drop was a complete success. Both packages were dropped and recovered without damage.

"Coming on the heels of the late-June, mid-winter medical evacuation mission from McMurdo (Station, Antarctica), we welcomed another opportunity to provide assistance to the NSF," Wellington said. "Plus, we were fortunate to have the right crew with right qualifications in place when the call came in."

For more information on Operation Deep Freeze, contact Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs at 808-449-7985 or email 13af.pa@hickam.af.mil. To learn more about the U.S. Antarctic Program, visit the official website at www.usap.gov.

(Courtesy of Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs.)

Operation Deep Freeze 2011-2012 begins

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Late winter flights, known as WINFLY, for Operation Deep Freeze 2011-2012 began August 20.

Deep Freeze is a joint service, interagency activity that supports the National Science Foundation, which manages the U.S. Antarctic Program.

Lt. Gen. Stanley T. Kresge, the commander of 13th Air Force, is dual-hatted as the commander of Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, based at Joint Base Pearl-Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The joint task force's main summer season in Antarctica is slated to begin Sept. 28.

A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wa., began delivering passengers and cargo to the NSF McMurdo Station, Antarctica, in support of the United States Antarctic Program. Scientists and support personnel at the station will start pre-summer projects, augment maintenance personnel, and prepare skiways, ice runways and an ice pier.

The airlift part of Operation Deep Freeze operates from two primary locations with C-17s situated at Christchurch, New Zealand and LC-130 Hercules forward based at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, beginning in late October.

The operation year is divided into three main phases: WINFLY, which is currently ongoing, followed by the main summer season and the winter phase. WINFLY is the preparation phase between winter and summer when additional support personnel arrive to prepare the station for the upcoming science field season.

NSF manages the U.S. Antarctic Program through which it coordinates all U.S. scientific research on the southernmost continent and aboard ships in the Southern Ocean as well as related logistics support.

"WINFLY missions are important for total force C-17 crews," said Lt. Col. Edward Vaughan, the Deep Freeze interim director of joint operations. "Aside from hauling support passengers and cargo, the National Science Foundation also permits a night-vision goggle training mission. This annual training mission ensures that C-17 crews are prepared to execute their mission in Antarctica year round."

U.S. military support for Operation Deep Freeze is a Pacific Command responsibility organized as Joint Task Forc -Support Forces Antarctica. The Joint Task Force includes cargo and fuel tanker ships provided by Military Sealift Command, active- duty and Reserve C-17 support from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at JB Lewis-McChord, ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules flown by the 109th AW of the New York Air National Guard, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.

The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided annual support to U.S. Antarctic research since Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd began such operations in 1955.

For more information about Operation Deep Freeze, contact Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs at 808-449-7985 or by email at 13af.pa@hickam.af.mil. To learn more about the U.S. Antarctic Program, visit the official website at www.usap.gov.

(Courtesy of Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs)

Milcom Blog Logs: Operation Deep Freeze Monitored on UHF Milsatcom

A friend of this blog - Joe Steinmetz, K6SAT - has been monitoring milsatcom activity associated with Antarctica's Operation DeepFreeze. He caught the activity on 263.625 MHz in the clear. The POR UHF satcom traffic from Antarctica was heard with call signs of ICE 26 and MAC center.

Recordings of the activity he monitored are at the links below:
http://moon-bounce.com/hearsat/ts3_recording_10_11_07_18_53_58_por_mil.mp3
http://moon-bounce.com/satcom/satcom_files/ts3_recording_10_11_09_16_12_41_ant.mp3

I invite readers to check out Joe's website and his setup at http://moon-bounce.com/. Thanks Joe for sharing your intercepts with the MMP readership.

Airmen support Antarctica mission

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Active-duty and Reserve Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., spent a few days supporting Operation Deep Freeze at McMurdo Station in Antarctica and related their experiences to the Defense Department's "Armed with Science" blog recently.

Among the officers who traveled to McMurdo Station were Capt. Jon Waller, a C-17 Globemaster III instructor pilot with the 62nd AW, and Capt. Chris Stephens, a C-17 weapons officer.

"(We spend) the majority of the year flying into the (Southwest Asia)," said Captain Waller, who is on his second season flying for Operation Deep Freeze. "Flying into combat is pretty cool, and landing on dirt runways is pretty cool, but landing out here on the ice definitely takes the cake."

Captain Waller described the night missions as "amazing."

"It really opens up our capabilities to fly year-round and fly 24 hours a day," he said. "And operations on the ice with (night vision goggles) are not all that much different from what we're used to."

The key difference might be in the length of the day since it stays sunny 24 hours a day during Antarctica's summer and disappears for months at a time during the Antarctic winter.

Two other officers, Maj. Bruce Cohn and Capt. Chris Stephens, have also flown support missions.

"Usually, C-17 pilots never get to leave the airfield (at McMurdo Station)," wrote Major Cohn, another C-17 instructor pilot for the 62nd AW. "We fly down from Christchurch, New Zealand, land on the ice runway, offload cargo and depart."

However, a two-day visit to the station allowed the major to learn more about the base, which is principally operated by the National Science Foundation.

"What appears ... as individual station functions is actually an eccentric mix of people working together to make science happen," he wrote. "The research that's done here spans the gambit from marine biology to climate research and volcanology. After two days of near-perpetual sunlight, breathtaking views and a crash course on McMurdo (Station), I've barely scratched the surface of what happens in Antarctica, but it's 48 hours I will never forget."

For more on Operation Deep Freeze, visit http://science.dodlive.mil.

Logistical support to Antarctic science efforts wraps up

by Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson, 13th Air Force Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- American servicemembers concluded the 2009-2010 Operation Deep Freeze season Feb. 24 after six months of logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program and National Science Foundation.

The season began with a winter flying period that started Aug. 16, delivering advance teams and cargo to New Zealand and Antarctica in preparation for the main season start in September.

Gen. Gary North, the Pacific Air Forces commander here, commended the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica team.

"I couldn't be more proud of our Air Force's total force effort that supports the National Science Foundation mission in the Antarctic," General North said. "I was fortunate enough to see these operations firsthand this season and the dedication of the men and women of our Air Force who have been executing the airlift into and throughout the Antarctic since 1975. The Airmen of the 62nd, 446th and 109th airlift wings are true professionals, and I left the 'ice' truly impressed by their dedication to this important mission.

"(Visiting Antarctica) also allowed me to see firsthand the command and control efforts of the 13th Air Force as the commander, Lt. Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, and his staff serve as the Joint Forces commander and command element for the Operation Deep Freeze mission," the general said.

The JTF SFA team is composed of active, Guard and Reserve servicemembers from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard. The team supported the NSF and USAP by providing C-17 Globemaster III strategic inter-theater airlift, LC-130 Hercules airlift and air-drop support, aeromedical evacuation support, emergency response, sealift, seaport access, bulk-fuel supply, port-cargo handling, and transportation requirements.

"This was my first year leading the joint task force, and everything I had heard about the dedication of our joint team proved to be completely accurate," said General Carlisle who serves as both the 13th Air Force and JTF SFA commander. "We're talking about an operating environment that is quite possibly the most challenging in the world, yet our folks get the mission done safely and effectively for our partners in the NSF and USAP."

To provide this logistical support, JTF SFA members employed C-17s from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., LC-130s from Stratton Air National Guard Base, N.Y., and both a tanker and chartered container ship from the Military Sealift Command, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

During the 2009-2010 season, LC-130 aircrews from the 109th AW at Stratton ANGB flew 330 on-continent missions, transporting thousands of passengers and 8.1 million pounds of cargo and fuel from the main U.S. base at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to the South Pole and other research outposts on the continent.

Additionally, C-17 aircrews from the 62nd and 446th airlift wings at JB McChord flew 60 missions between Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Station transporting more than 5,300 passengers and nearly 4.5 million pounds of cargo. They did this while also demonstrating an on-time, on-target South Pole airdrop capability.

The 2009-2010 Operation Deep Freeze season was one of the safest and most productive on record for the joint task force, said Col. Paul Sheppard, the JTF SFA deputy commander here.

"The Defense Department's support of NSF on land, sea, and air was superb, and all major U.S. science objectives, such as the ice core drilling at (Western Antarctic Ice Sheet)-Divide, were accomplished," Colonel Sheppard said.

The 2009-2010 Operation Deep Freeze season experienced milestones, to include operating off a single-location runway at Pegasus Field, Colonel Sheppard said. The joint task force established a sea ice runway for wheeled aircraft and a packed-snow ski way for aircraft with skis at the field, despite the most unusual El Nino-induced weather since 2001.

Additionally, C-17 aircrews further refined their ability to land at McMurdo Station in total darkness using night-vision goggles. This maturing capability opens up new possibilities for an early start in upcoming seasons, said Lt. Col. Ed Vaughan, the interim director of JTF SFA joint operations here.

Season participants also saw Navy ship operations, bolstered by a contracted icebreaker, delivering cargo and fuel in record time, Colonel Vaughan said.

"With primary cargo offloading performed by the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1, the season was remarkable, with no injuries whatsoever and completion well ahead of schedule," Colonel Vaughan said.

LC-130s provided airlift for the initial opening of the Australian Antarctic Division's Camp Casey, flying the first passengers to this remote Antarctic station for the season. In addition, Air Mobility Command officials provided a pilot from the Air Force Reserve, who flew along as an instructor and expert guide for the first ice landing of a Boeing 757 operated by Antarctica New Zealand members.

"One of the amazing second order effects here is that Deep Freeze permits our military members to work in an established joint, interagency, and international environment," Colonel Vaughan said.

"Participants use what they learn in Antarctica in operations around the globe and "conversely, they can apply the lessons gleaned in other theaters when they later return to Antarctica," he said. "This iterative learning contributes to the ultimate success of this and other missions."

Airmen support Operation Deep Freeze

Exhaust vapors form around a C-17 Globemaster III after engine start-up during an Operation Deep Freeze mission. The C-17 and 31 Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., conducted the annual winter fly-in augmentation of scientists, support staff, food and equipment for the U.S. Antarctic program at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

by Tech. Sgt. Aries D. Early, 13th Air Force Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNS) -- More than halfway through the 2009-2010 winter season, U.S. servicemembers have made many major contributions in support of the National Scientific Foundation's efforts in Antarctica.

The members support Operation Deep Freeze, which is a 13th Air Force-led Joint Task Force responsible for the coordination of strategic airlift, field support airlift, emergency response and aeromedical evacuation.

They also are tasked with sealift duties, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling and other transportation related requirements conducted in Antarctica. All of this is done in what is considered by many to be one of the most difficult peacetime duty assignments. This is mainly because of the harsh environment. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, highest and most inhospitable continent on the globe.

"(We're) participating in a major change in airfield operations at McMurdo Station," said Col. Paul Sheppard, the Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica deputy commander.

In previous years, LC-130 Hercules operations were located at an airfield known as Williams Field Skiway and C-17 Globemaster III operations were at Pegasus Field Runway from Dec. 1 until the season's end. This year, all operations were consolidated at Pegasus Field.

"A new skiway was build at Pegasus for the LC-130 fleet and the consolidation of aircraft has been a success," the colonel said.

"Since acquiring the mission in 1998, we have never lost any of our military members or aircraft. This is a very dangerous environment, we know that, and we act accordingly."

So far, 53 C-17 missions have been flown between Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Station, Antarctica, transporting 2,700 passengers and more than 3.5 million pounds of cargo. Ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft have flown 292 missions ferrying nearly 2,000 passengers and more than 8.1 million total cargo pounds from McMurdo Station to the South Pole and other research posts throughout Antarctica.

McChord Airmen head for 'the ice' as Operation Deep Freeze season kicks off

by Staff Sgt. Eric Burks, 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFNS) -- Thirty-seven McChord Air Force Base Airmen left Sept. 24 in a C-17 Globemaster III loaded with more than 90,000 pounds of cargo destined for Antarctica to begin another season of Operation Deep Freeze.

The 2009-2010 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Defense Department's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation, officially kicks off Sept. 26 and will be one of the most robust to date, as more than 60 missions are projected.

"The number of C-17 missions to Antarctica will increase this season by approximately 25 percent as compared to last season when work on the Pegasus Ice Runway necessitated a brief mission pause," said Lt. Col. Walt Clark, the lead Operation Deep Freeze planner at 13th Air Force from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

The missions will build upon August's successful winter fly-in, and a historic 2008-2009 season that included the first-ever night-vision goggle landing on the Antarctic continent and groundbreaking high-altitude airdrops to remote areas such as the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province.

This season also marks the 10th year C-17s have supported the mission. The first McChord AFB C-17 touched down on the ice runway outside McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Oct. 15, 1999. In previous missions from McChord AFB , Antarctic flights were completed in the C-141 Starlifter, which had supported Deep Freeze operations since 1966.

"The C-17 has revolutionized how we do business down there," said Lt. Col. Robert Wellington, the 62nd Operations Group deputy commander and 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander, working for Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. "We can better satisfy user requirements. We're leaner, more efficient and use fewer resources.

"But we couldn't do that without the great teamwork of the 446th and 62nd airlift wings and their tenant units," said Colonel Wellington, an Operation Deep Freeze veteran who has flown multiple missions during previous seasons.

As the new 304th EAS commander, the colonel aims to continue the McChord AFB tradition of support to the program, both on and off "the ice."

"Because we have such great Airmen involved, operations really take care of themselves. The biggest challenge will be continuing the strong relationships my predecessor established, both within the program and in the community," Colonel Wellington said.

The first few flights into McMurdo Station, Antarctica, will carry support personnel, after those initial flights they will unload supplies required for McMurdo's scientific research mission, said Lt. Col. J.W. Smith, the 313th Airlift Squadron assistant operations officer and 304th EAS directing officer.

"We're ramping up for the beginning of the Antarctic exploration season," Colonel Smith said. "We'll be bringing McMurdo out of winter hibernation."

Deep Freeze is unlike any other U.S. military operation -- it's possibly the military's most difficult peacetime mission due to the harsh Antarctic environment, according to 13th Air Force officials. The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided support to the U.S. Antarctic Program since 1955.

Airlift for Operation Deep Freeze involves active-duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord AFB and New York Air National Guard LC-130 Hercules aircraft from Stratton Air National Guard Base, Scotia, N.Y.

Successful Deep Freeze season comes to an end

Maj. Jason Allen looks out over the Antarctic ice during the 2008-2009 Operation Deep Freeze season, which came to an end Feb. 28. Major Allen is a Reserve C-17 evaluator pilot with the 97th Airlift Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais)

by Maj. Sam Highley, JTF Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Another season of Department of Defense support to the U.S. Antarctic Program and National Science Foundation activities in Antarctica came to an end Feb. 28.

The 2008-2009 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military's operational and logistical support of the NSF's scientific research activities in Antarctica, began Sept. 4. Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force and Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica commander, deemed the season a resounding success.

"Every Deep Freeze season is a joint effort, and this one was no exception," General Utterback said. "Led by Airmen, our Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Soldiers--to include active duty, Guard and Reserve--all joined forces this season to provide outstanding support to our National Science Foundation partners and their scientific activities in Antarctica."

JTF SFA, headquartered here and led by 13th Air Force, coordinated strategic intertheater airlift, tactical LC-130 Hercules deep field support, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling and transportation requirements.

During the six-month long season, the joint task force completed more than 50 C-17 Globemaster III intercontinental missions moving 4.3 million pounds of material and 3,800 passengers. Additionally, more than 280 LC-130 ice missions flew more than 8.7 million pounds of supplies and 2,000 passengers. The tanker Gianella and cargo ship American Tern from the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command delivered approximately 5.7 million gallons of fuel and 14.6 million pounds of cargo.

"The movement of this cargo, fuel and personnel for our interagency partners at the National Science Foundation is vital to their mission," General Utterback said. "We are, in many ways, the 'lifeline' for their people down on the ice."

That lifeline was strengthened this season with the certification of the C-17 for landing in darkness using night vision goggles. Although night landings on the ice are not new, a McChord Air Force Base, Wash., aircrew landed a C-17 at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on Sept. 11 in complete darkness, using night vision technology in combination with reflective cones for the first time. The certification enhances U.S. Antarctic Program logistics capabilities for year round operations using the C-17.

The joint U.S.-Australian movement of an injured Australian expeditioner out of Antarctica was another highlight of the season. The seriously injured patient was successfully moved by JTF SFA aboard an LC-130 to Hobart, Australia, on Nov. 5, where he received medical treatment and began his recovery.

The airmanship of the New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing aircrew, in landing on an unprepared surface at the critically injured patient's Antarctic camp and transporting him to safety, drew international attention to the operational capabilities of JTF SFA.

Such missions illustrate the harsh conditions under which the joint task force must operate. Antarctica is considered the coldest, windiest, most inhospitable continent on the globe.

"Every trip we take to Antarctica, whether via aircraft or ship, requires careful planning and coordination," General Utterback said. "Safety is paramount in all our Deep Freeze operations, and you can see that in the results this season."

General Utterback said the successful season is indicative of the high readiness of the U.S. military and its partners in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility, and the United States' commitment to a peaceful Pacific region.

"To be able to use our military forces to further the scientific efforts in Antarctica--efforts that benefit all the people of the world--is really gratifying," the general said. "I couldn't be more proud of our entire team's efforts this season."

Air Guard Wing Prepares for Operation Deep Freeze

Editors Note: Latest frequencies for Operation Deep Freeze at bottom of this post.

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Catharine Schmidt, Special to American Forces Press Service

Air Force Staff Sgt. Les Gould marshals in an LC-130 Hercules transport at Willie Field in Antarctica during the 2007/08 Operation Deep Freeze season. Gould is a crew chief with the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base, N.Y. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stephen Girolami.

STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. - The 109th Airlift Wing is preparing to begin its 20th year of Operation Deep Freeze, supporting the National Science Foundation in Antarctica.

Two ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules transports will take off Oct. 27, followed by two more LC-130s and a C-5 Galaxy from the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., on Oct. 28.

The aircraft will carry maintenance equipment, such as engines and propellers. Crews will spend a few days in New Zealand setting up their base of operations, and then will head down to McMurdo Station in Antarctica to get things going there, said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joe Axe, a loadmaster with the 139th Airlift Squadron who works in the Antarctic Operations Office.

"Once we're established in Antarctica, the first mission we'll do is to open the South Pole," Axe said. "We'll take about 50 people. That first day will be about three or four trips just to get the South Pole going."

This season, financial challenges have lessened the missions required for the unit.

"This season we're doing about two-thirds of what we usually do; we're only doing five [sorties] a day vs. eight," Axe said. "I'm hoping to get somewhere around 8 million pounds of cargo moved at a minimum. Our best season was 14 million. "

Another change this season is a test of new, eight-bladed LC-130 propellers. If everything checks out OK on the test aircraft, it will be added to the rotation, Axe said.

"We're hoping the tests go well and get done fast and it can be proven that the aircraft is more fuel-efficient," he said. "During the testing phase, it will be flying its own separate missions, taking a little bit of cargo and increasing that each time."

Crews started preparing for this season even before last season was finished. They gather information during each Deep Freeze and send it up the chain so improvements can be made for the next season.

"As we enter our 20th year supporting Operation Deep Freeze, the one constant in an ever-changing environment is the attitude of our airmen and their dedication to completing the mission," said Air Force Col. Anthony German, 109th Airlift Wing commander.

"The work ethic required to be successful in the environments we work in is the defining characteristic that led us to being selected as the best flying unit in the Air National Guard," he said.

There are different challenges each season and, this year, the challenges are financial, German said. "We will fly less missions, deploy less people and consolidate jobs in a number of areas, but in the end we will continue to serve the National Science Foundation in the same professional manner they are accustomed to. I look forward to the upcoming season with great confidence in all of our airmen to make this yet another successful season."

Latest Operation Deep Freeze Frequencies

5785.0 Scott Base Antarctica USB
9032.0 Antarctica Ice Flights USB
11255.0 McMurdo Base USB

Operation Deep Freeze 2008-2009 season begins

C-17 Globemaster III's from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., will be shuttling supplies, equipment and personnel for Operation Deep Freeze. The 2008-2009 season for ODF began Sept. 4. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Erika Yepsen)

Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation, kicked off the 2008-2009 season on Sept. 4 as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivers passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

The C-17, based out of McChord Air Force Base, Washington, will fly multiple missions from Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, to McMurdo Station as part of SpringFly Sept. 4-10. Christchurch is the staging point for deployment to McMurdo Station, a key research and operations facility for the U.S. Antarctic Program.

Formerly known as WinFly, SpringFly is the ODF ramp-up phase to prepare buildings and equipment, as well as pave the overland traverse to the South Pole, in preparation for the arrival of the main body of military and civilian personnel during the main season in October.

ODF involves operational and logistic support of the National Science Foundation's scientific research activities in Antarctica by U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard forces. This support is provided by members of the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica headquartered here and led by Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, 13th Air Force and JTF SFA commander.

JTF-SFA personnel coordinate strategic intertheater airlift, tactical LC-130 deep field support, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling and transportation requirements for ODF. Active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard work together as part of the Joint Task Force.

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest and most inhospitable continent on the globe. The U.S. military are uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided support to the U.S. Antarctic Program since 1955.

Frequency information for Operation Deep Freeze:
HF and VHF frequencies used in Antarctica
Source: Field Manual for the US Antarctica Program
http://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/documents/USAPFieldManual.pdf

HF Comms
Primary HF transmission mode is USB. Communications between Antarctica field parties and fixed-wing aircraft normally occur on 9032 kHz. If a fixed-wing aircraft cannot be reached on that frequency, they use 4770 kHz or 11553 kHz to contact MAC Ops at McMurdo. Helo secondary frequency is 9032 kHz. The primary frequencies for passing weather observations is:

• 11553 kHz for remote-site field parties.
• 4770 kHz for Dry Valley and surrounding areas field parties.

McMurdo Station
Frequency Channel Description
4770 kHz Ross Island and Dry Valley Field Parties
5100 kHz Air-to-Ground
5400 kHz Scott Base Field Parties
7995 kHz Remote/South Pole
9032 kHz Air-to-Ground
11553 kHz Remote Field Parties

Palmer Station
Frequency Channel Description
4125 kHz Secondary USAP Field Parties
11553 kHz Primary USAP Field Parties

VHF Comms
McMurdo Frequency Plan (For vehicle and handheld radios in the McMurdo vicinity):
Transmit Receive CH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3* NZ Portable 142.800 138.800
4* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
5 Public Works (T-Site) 139.000 142.600
6 Airfield Ops 139.200 139.200
7 Science Net 139.500 139.500
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
9 Fuels Net (T-Site) 143.600 143.600
10 Movement Control Center 139.800 143.725 ( U.S. Crater Hill repeater)
11 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
12 Penguin Ops/ANG 143.200 143.200

Further Field Party Frequency Plan (For portable and handheld VHF radios issued to science groups and support personnel deploying to the Dry Valleys, sea ice camps, and Ross Island camps):
Transmit ReceiveCH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3 Science Net 139.500 139.500
4 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
5* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
6 Helo Flight Following 138.500 143.975
7 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Taylor repeater)
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Wright repeater)
9 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Terror repeater)
10 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
11 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Brooke repeater)
12 Blank

Callsigns
Mac Ops -- Field Operation Communications Center, second floor of Bldg 165 at McMurdo. Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft are identified by the call sign “Skier,” followed by a specific aircraft number.Helicopters are identified by the last three digits on the helicopter tail. The digits are always two numbers and a letter.

Reserve, active-duty Airmen fly last Antarctica mission

by Tech. Sgt. Nick Przybyciel, 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A C-17 Globemaster III from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., is loaded with cargo at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. A Reserve and active-duty Airmen from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings flew the late season Operation Deep Freeze mission April 17. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Nick Przybyciel)

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFPN) -- A total force aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., made history April 17 during the last Operation Deep Freeze mission of the 2007-2008 season.

With only eight days remaining before Antarctica becomes shrouded in 24-hour darkness during winter, Airmen from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings brought 100 scientific researchers, support personnel and their equipment back to civilization. The mid-April flight is the closest to winter a Deep Freeze crew has ever landed in Antarctica.

Tasked to support the National Science Foundation's research efforts in Antarctica, the Reserve and active-duty Airmen from McChord typically provide C-17 Globemaster III support from August to March, which is summer in the southern hemisphere. However, a scientific research team from Montana State University required mission support later than usual this year.

The research team, studying light-driven life in Antarctica's permanently frozen lakes, had to push their field time as close to winter as possible in order to have the proper conditions for their experiments. Unable to receive support this late in the season from the New Zealand air force, the National Science Foundation called on the U.S. Air Force for help.

"We knew we could do it. It hasn't happened yet, but if we ever need to do contingency support -- even in the middle of winter -- we're ready to respond," said Lt. Col. James McGann, commander of the C-17 Deep Freeze operations and a member of the 62nd AW.

The research would be impossible to conduct without the Air Force's ability to respond this late in the season, according to MSU Professor John Priscu. "We wouldn't be here - that's all there is to it. It's a long way from here to New Zealand," he said. One of Antarctica's most weathered research scientists, Professor Priscu has spent 24 seasons on the ice and led this year's MSU team.

By pushing the season, Professor Priscu believes both the Air Force and his research team proved something: "It's proof of concept. We proved we can come down -- and the Air Force can, too -- and work right up to winter."

While most researchers return home after the summer season, a small support group stays behind at the NSF station to maintain and build infrastructure. In case something happens to the support personnel, Colonel McGann is training his crews to fly into the dark Antarctic winter using night vision goggles.

"We're ready if they need us. We've flown test flights under similar circumstances, and although we haven't flown into Antarctica using NVGs, I'm confident if the call comes, we can do it safely and expeditiously," he said.

Even without the difficulties inherent in using NVGs, Deep Freeze missions have more than their share of risks.

Landing on an ice runway in temperatures as frigid as -70 degrees Fahrenheit, Operation Deep Freeze is one of Air Mobility Command's most extreme missions. As such, Colonel McGann cherry-picks his crew, exploiting the expertise of both Reserve and active-duty Airmen from McChord AFB.

"Without a doubt, it's one of the most sought-after missions to get on in Air Mobility Command," said Maj. Tom Jenkins, deputy commander of the mission and a Reserve pilot from the 446th AW.

Fewer than 20 pilots in the entire command are certified to fly Deep Freeze missions, and the process takes three years to complete. Aside from landing on a giant sheet of ice, unpredictable weather makes Antarctica one of the most difficult places to fly into in the world.

"[The weather] can change in a second. Even on a sunny day, if that wind picks up, it blows the snow everywhere. On another mission I was on, you couldn't see more than 50 feet just from the wind blowing the snow around," said Maj. Chuck Corrigan, A Reserve pilot and one-of-two pilots who were certified on the mission.

The bitter temperatures have a profound affect as well on loadmasters and crew chiefs, who are forced to work in the elements. After cargo is loaded onto the C-17 using giant forklifts, loadmasters have to push the pallets into place by hand and secure them, all without any heat on the airplane.

If something breaks during flight and needs to be fixed after landing, crew chiefs have to respond to the situation, no matter how inhospitable the temperature is outside.

"The hardest part is working with your hands, because they get cold very fast. Fortunately, we didn't have any maintenance issues this time," Tech. Sgt. Michelle Short, a Deep Freeze crew chief from the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

At least for loadmasters, conditions have improved a bit over the years. Master Sgt. Terry Philon, a Reserve loadmaster from the 446th AW, has flown to Antarctica in both C-17s and its predecessor, the C-141 Starlifter. Sergeant Philon is one of the most experienced members of the crew, having just completed his 16th Deep Freeze trip since he began flying them in 1999.

"It's a world of difference between those two planes," he said. "In the (C-)141, it got cold and stayed cold. Since the ceiling wasn't as high (as the C-17), you had space limitations, too. The first time I flew, I configured the jet and realized that I was stuck in the back, with no way to get up front. Luckily, you don't have to worry about that with the C-17."

Another person thankful for the C-17's extended capabilities is Professor Priscu, who was able to avoid spending the winter in Antarctica thanks to the plane's increased cargo and passenger capacities.

"People were frothing at the mouth when we found out a C-17 was coming," he said. "Some of them have been here since last winter and they're starting to act a bit weird. They're definitely ready to get out."

Thanks to the expertise of Deep Freeze Reserve and active-duty Airmen, and the capabilities of the C-17, Professor Priscu and his crew were able to escape back to civilization before things got too weird.

Operation Deep Freeze main season underway

Active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing, combined efforts to support the 13th Air Force-led Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze.

The main season, which opened Sept. 28, is the main science research season for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. The population of McMurdo Station triples in size and it becomes a hive of activity.

The Air Force's role is to provide logistical support to the National Science Foundation via strategic and tactical airlift. C-17 Globemaster IIIs fly from Christchurch, New Zealand, to McMurdo Station, Anarctica, and LC-130 Hercules fly from the station to the outlying camps and the South Pole.

"We provide strategic airlift and tactical airlift for the National Science Foundation," said Lt. Col. Jim McGann, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander. "In saying that, we bring cargo and people down there in a time-critical nature to get them onto the ice to do the required science and everything else they need to do in a short time," he said.

Once the C-17s bring in their large loads of equipment and people, the loads are broken down into smaller loads for the LC-130s.

"The LC-130s provide access to the deeper recesses of the continent," said Mike Scheuermann, the National Science Foundation representative in Antarctica. "We couldn't begin to do the research that we do without the LC-130s," he said.

The main research season for Antarctica is only about four months long. The NSF relies on the Air Force to get equipment and people in and out of Antarctica as efficiently as possible, minimizing the impact on the station and the continent and getting their research done in a timely manner.

Prior to the Air Force taking over the mission, If you had aircraft availability of 70 percent, that was a good target, Mr. Sheuermann said.

"The 109th (AW) with their LC-130s were at 97 percent aircraft availability last year. Just phenomenal, almost unheard of in my time," Mr. Sheuermann said.

It is critical that the C-17s and LC-130s get equipment, cargo and people where they need to be and back, Col. McGann said.

"When you start talking about traversing the large distances associated with Antarctica -- all provided by the military -- it has been an outstanding service," said Mr. Sheuermann. "We couldn't do it with out them."

Frequency information for Operation Deep Freeze:
HF and VHF frequencies used in Antarctica
Source: Field Manual for the US Antarctica Program
http://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/documents/USAPFieldManual.pdf

HF Comms
Primary HF transmission mode is USB. Communications between Antarctica field parties and fixed-wing aircraft normally occur on 9032 kHz. If a fixed-wing aircraft cannot be reached on that frequency, they use 4770 kHz or 11553 kHz to contact MAC Ops at McMurdo. Helo secondary frequency is 9032 kHz. The primary frequencies for passing weather observations is:

• 11553 kHz for remote-site field parties.
• 4770 kHz for Dry Valley and surrounding areas field parties.

McMurdo Station
Frequency Channel Description
4770 kHz Ross Island and Dry Valley Field Parties
5100 kHz Air-to-Ground
5400 kHz Scott Base Field Parties
7995 kHz Remote/South Pole
9032 kHz Air-to-Ground
11553 kHz Remote Field Parties

Palmer Station
Frequency Channel Description
4125 kHz Secondary USAP Field Parties
11553 kHz Primary USAP Field Parties

VHF Comms
McMurdo Frequency Plan (For vehicle and handheld radios in the McMurdo vicinity):
Transmit Receive CH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3* NZ Portable 142.800 138.800
4* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
5 Public Works (T-Site) 139.000 142.600
6 Airfield Ops 139.200 139.200
7 Science Net 139.500 139.500
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
9 Fuels Net (T-Site) 143.600 143.600
10 Movement Control Center 139.800 143.725 ( U.S. Crater Hill repeater)
11 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
12 Penguin Ops/ANG 143.200 143.200

Further Field Party Frequency Plan (For portable and handheld VHF radios issued to science groups and support personnel deploying to the Dry Valleys, sea ice camps, and Ross Island camps):
Transmit ReceiveCH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3 Science Net 139.500 139.500
4 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
5* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
6 Helo Flight Following 138.500 143.975
7 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Taylor repeater)
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Wright repeater)
9 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Terror repeater)
10 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
11 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Brooke repeater)
12 Blank

Callsigns
Mac Ops -- Field Operation Communications Center, second floor of Bldg 165 at McMurdo. Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft are identified by the call sign “Skier,” followed by a specific aircraft number.Helicopters are identified by the last three digits on the helicopter tail. The digits are always two numbers and a letter.

Operation Deep Freeze main season underway

Note: Complete information can be found at
http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/08/operation-deep-freeze-2007-08-begins.html

Air operations in support of the 52nd Operation Deep Freeze main season are underway.

A C-17 Globemaster III from the 62nd Airlift Wing, at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., completed three missions this past week from Christchurch, New Zealand, kicking off the 2007 to 2008 season for the 13th Air Force-led Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze.

Since Oct. 2 (New Zealand time), 283 passengers and 106, 299 pounds of cargo have been flown to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, which serves as the logistical hub for much of the U.S. and Antarctic program.

During the winter fly-in season, Aug. 20 to 25, a McChord C-17 and crew flew a total of 355 passengers and 119,953 pounds of cargo to and from McMurdo Station to prepare for the arrival of the main body population of scientist and support staff.

Ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft, crews and support personnel from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing will begin deploying to McMurdo Station in mid-October. The LC-130s will transport passengers and cargo from McMurdo Station to other research posts throughout Antarctica.

Operation Deep Freeze is a unique joint and total-force mission that has supported the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program that began in 1955. The start of the season was heralded Sept. 28 in a ceremony at Christchurch.

Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, the 13th Air Force commander, attended along with the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand William McCormick, Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore, National Science Foundation officials and others. Members of the 1958 New Zealand Trans-Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole also participated.

Operation Deep Freeze involves active-duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord AFB, New York, Air National Guard LC-130s, and other aircraft as necessary to support the mission; one U.S. Military Sealift Command tanker, one MSC-chartered cargo ship, and the U.S. Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station. All deployed forces are scheduled to return to home station in March 2008.

Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 begins

by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo
Air Force News Agency

Blog note: Important frequency information at the end of this article.

A maintainer looks as National Science Foundation Members get off a C-17 Globemaster III during the Operation Deep Freeze winter fly-in around the Pegasus Runway Aug. 20 in Antarctica. A C-17 and 31 Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., began the annual winter fly-in augmentation of scientists, support personnel, food and equipment for the U.S. Antarctic Program at McMurdo Station. WinFly is the opening of the first flights to McMurdo Station, which closed for the austral winter in February. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo)

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFPN) -- Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter flights began Aug. 20 ending more than five months of isolation for the research station as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivered passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Landing 15 miles from McMurdo Station at Pegasus Runway, the C-17s will carry in scientists and support members to start early pre-summer projects, augment maintenance personnel and prepare skyways and ice runways at McMurdo Station.

Winter fly-in, called WinFly, is the first of three phases for Operation Deep Freeze that sets the stage for the U.S. Antarctic Program.

"We bring people down that will begin construction on what is called the 'annual sea ice' runway, which is very close to McMurdo," said Lt. Col. Jim McGann, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander.

When people arrive at Antarctica, they have to take about an hour trip from Pegasus Runway to McMurdo Station. Once the 10,000 feet by 220 feet annual sea ice runway is completed, the trip will be just 10 minutes that allows quicker downloads and less exposure to the weather.

"We like it because they build us a nice runway. They like it because the C-17 is closer and it makes the travel time a lot quicker," Colonel McGann said.

Operation Deep Freeze is a demanding mission due to the extreme adversity of the environment and remoteness of Antarctica. For WinFly, and for all of the seasons, there are few options. The C-17 carries unusual loads and has to deal with weather that can change in 30 minutes. To meet the challenges, a joint force of active-duty and Reserve members are assembled to complete the difficult tasks safely and efficiently.

"My pilots are picked because of their judgment and their ability to make the right decision. The loadmasters are the same way," Colonel McGann said. "Both positions have to be highly intuitive. They have to be able to think on their feet and they have to be able to make the right decisions."

Transitioning McMurdo Station from a quiet, isolated winter camp to a logistical hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program the C-17 had only a short window to deliver its passengers and cargo due to daylight and weather.

"The biggest challenges are weather, the complexity of the loads and the time it takes to download and upload the aircraft," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Masura, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "Time is limited due to daylight, and we have to get in and out as quickly as we can."

The U.S. military is uniquely equipped to assist the National Science Foundation in the accomplishments of its mission to explore Antarctica, and 13th Air Force officials have the capability to provide joint operational and logistical support around the clock.

Operation Deep Freeze is divided into three seasons: Winfly, main body and winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord Air Force Base, Wash. LC-130 from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission, as well as Coast Guard icebreakers and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.

Frequency information for Operation Deep Freeze:
HF and VHF frequencies used in Antarctica
Source: Field Manual for the US Antarctica Program
http://www.usap.gov/travelAndDeployment/documents/USAPFieldManual.pdf

HF Comms
Primary HF transmission mode is USB. Communications between Antarctica field parties and fixed-wing aircraft normally occur on 9032 kHz. If a fixed-wing aircraft cannot be reached on that frequency, they use 4770 kHz or 11553 kHz to contact MAC Ops at McMurdo. Helo secondary frequency is 9032 kHz. The primary frequencies for passing weather observations is:

• 11553 kHz for remote-site field parties.
• 4770 kHz for Dry Valley and surrounding areas field parties.

McMurdo Station
Frequency Channel Description
4770 kHz Ross Island and Dry Valley Field Parties
5100 kHz Air-to-Ground
5400 kHz Scott Base Field Parties
7995 kHz Remote/South Pole
9032 kHz Air-to-Ground
11553 kHz Remote Field Parties

Palmer Station
Frequency Channel Description
4125 kHz Secondary USAP Field Parties
11553 kHz Primary USAP Field Parties

VHF Comms
McMurdo Frequency Plan (For vehicle and handheld radios in the McMurdo vicinity):
Transmit Receive CH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3* NZ Portable 142.800 138.800
4* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
5 Public Works (T-Site) 139.000 142.600
6 Airfield Ops 139.200 139.200
7 Science Net 139.500 139.500
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
9 Fuels Net (T-Site) 143.600 143.600
10 Movement Control Center 139.800 143.725 ( U.S. Crater Hill repeater)
11 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
12 Penguin Ops/ANG 143.200 143.200

Further Field Party Frequency Plan (For portable and handheld VHF radios issued to science groups and support personnel deploying to the Dry Valleys, sea ice camps, and Ross Island camps):
Transmit ReceiveCH Net Name freq. (MHz) freq. (MHz)
1* I-Net (T-Site ) 143.000 143.000
2* Crash Net (T-Site) 139.600 139.600
3 Science Net 139.500 139.500
4 Helo Ops 143.400 143.400
5* NZ Crater Hill 139.300 143.800
6 Helo Flight Following 138.500 143.975
7 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Taylor repeater)
8 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Wright repeater)
9 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Terror repeater)
10 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Aurora repeater)
11 Field Party Ops 138.600 143.225 (Brooke repeater)
12 Blank

Callsigns
Mac Ops -- Field Operation Communications Center, second floor of Bldg 165 at McMurdo. Air National Guard LC-130 aircraft are identified by the call sign “Skier,” followed by a specific aircraft number.Helicopters are identified by the last three digits on the helicopter tail. The digits are always two numbers and a letter.