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."