New York's 109th Airlift Wing launches annual Antarctic mission

An LC-130 assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing leaves Stratton Air National Guard Base for Antarctica on Oct. 18, 2013. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Willie Gizara/Released)

By Tech Sgt. Catharine Schmidt, 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard

SCOTIA, N.Y.  - The 109th Airlift Wing kicked off its 26th season in support of Operation Deep Freeze on Oct. 18 as Airmen and LC-130 Hercules aircraft began their journey to the South Pole.

Despite the obstacles each season brings with the extreme weather conditions in Antarctica, crews are always prepared to complete the missions they have set out to do in support of the National Science Foundation.

A total of six ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft will be deployed this year from October to February, the typical on-continent Antarctic flying season.

These aircraft will support the National Science Foundation's research, moving supplies and people to field camps across the continent and to the South Pole station.
About 120 Air National Guard members will be deployed at any one time to Operation Deep Freeze, with a total of about 700 personnel rotations occurring over the entire season.

"We fully expect to meet all the mission requirements NSF sets forth for us," said Maj. Steven Slosek, a navigator who will be part of this year's ODF season, his fifth season on the ice. "It's an extremely remote and austere environment, but the best part about being a navigator in Antarctica is the sense of adventure."

Col. Shawn Clouthier, 109th AW commander, said he is confident the Wing will once again provide outstanding support, no matter what the obstacles.

"Due to fiscal constraints we have been tasked with fewer missions for this Antarctic season,” he said. "However, the mission set is still one of the most demanding in the Air National Guard and the Air Force. Through all of the budget restrictions one constant remains, the dedicated and professional men and women of the 109th will serve the National Science Foundation in the outstanding manner to which they have become accustomed."

After the resolution of the government shutdown Thursday, the 109th quickly geared back up to send down just as many aircraft as in previous seasons, and nearly the same number of personnel. As the season continues, additional guidance from the NSF will determine if the lowered mission tasking will continue.

The unit boasts the U.S. military's only ski-equipped aircraft, which has been supporting the NFS's South Pole research since 1988. Since 1999, the unit has been the sole provider of this type of airlift to the NSF and U.S. Antarctic research efforts.

In 1999 a crew from the 109th Airlift Wing made a daring rescue of Dr. Jerri Nielsen, a staff member at the Amundsen-Scott Station at the South Pole who was suffering from breast cancer. An LC-130 from the wing landed in bitter cold, far earlier in the season than they normally fly, to retrieve the doctor.

In 2008, another 109th LC-130 rescued an Australian researcher who had broken his leg in an accident and flew him to Hobart, Australia, from Antarctica.

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.

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."

C-17 revolutionizing logistics in Antarctica

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

A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the Pegasus ice runway Dec. 1 near McMurdo Station, Antarctica. (U.S. Air Force photo/Col. Jeffrey Stephenson)

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFNS) -- Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron supporting Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province Nov. 26.

Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered to a scientific camp in the province, one of the most remote locations on Earth.

Capt. Joe O'Rourke, a 7th Airlift Squadron pilot deployed to ODF, helped develop the missions. He said the airdrop was a quick and efficient way to deliver resources to the camp, better than any other method available.

"Without our delivery of that fuel, these scientists who are trekking out to the campsite from the South Pole would have had to carry that fuel with them, or a second trip would have been necessary from McMurdo Station over land carrying literally thousands of gallons of fuel," he said.

In just three hours, the captain said, Airmen delivered what would take days or weeks to accomplish through any other means.

The C-17 has revolutionized Antarctic logistics, and the mission was just another example of how the Air Force has leveraged its strategic airlift capability to support the National Science Foundation's tactical requirement, said Lt. Col. Jim McGann, 304th EAS commander.

"Airdropping the fuel enables critical global climate research to continue in remote locations," Colonel McGann said. "Without it, the project--involving six countries at a cost of more than $40 million--would fail. And support like this, even in the most hostile environment on the planet, is what Team McChord does best."

The mission was flown as part of Operation Deep Freeze, which is commanded by U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. Headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and led by 13th Air Force, JTF SFA's mission is to provide air and sealift support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program.

A total of four airdrops have now delivered supplies to the scientific campsite on the north side of the Gamburtsev province, a chain of mountains the size of the European Alps buried under five kilometers of ice.

Scientists believe that the Gamburtsev Mountains are the point of origin of the East Antarctic ice sheet and may be home to some of the oldest ice on the continent, Captain O'Rourke said.

"They are trying to determine the nature of that ice and also the nature of the geophysical event that caused the uplift of the mountains, whether it was volcanic, tectonic, or otherwise," he said.

The U.S. military's support to ODF began in 1955. Through this program, McChord Airmen provide airlift support in an extremely adverse environment, sometimes landing the C-17 on a six-foot thick ice runway to deliver supplies to the U.S. Antarctic Program from August through February each season.

During the 2007 to 2008 season, McChord C-17s flew 57 missions to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from Christchurch, New Zealand, carrying more than 3.1 million pounds of cargo and more than 2,800 passengers.

On the return missions from McMurdo, C-17 aircrews flew more than 850,000 pounds of cargo and 2,700 passengers back to Christchurch.

McChord Airmen fuel Operation Deep Freeze

A C-17 Globemaster III sits on the Pegasus ice runway Dec. 1 near McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The C-17 is from McChord Air Force Base, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Col. Jeffrey Stephenson)

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFNS) -- Airmen assigned to the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in support of Operation Deep Freeze completed the first operational C-17 Globemaster III airdrop Nov. 26 to the Antarctic Gamburtsev Mountain Province.

Thirty bundles of fuel and other supplies were delivered by the members of the from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings from McChord Air Force Base to a scientific camp in the province, one of the most remote locations on earth.

"The success of this mission was a full total force partnership," said Chief Master Sgt. James Masura, deployed from the 446th AW as the 304th EAS superintendent. "We combined experts from the active duty, Reserve, civilians, contractors, National Science Foundation and the New Zealand Defense Forces. This small team worked extremely hard to ensure we put the cargo on the surface to ensure completion of this groundbreaking science project."

Capt. Joe O'Rourke, a 7th Airlift Squadron pilot deployed to Operation Deep Freeze helped develop the AGAP missions. He said the airdrop is a quick and efficient way to deliver resources to the camp -- better than any other platform available.

"Without our delivery of that fuel, these scientists who are trekking out to the AGAP campsite from the South Pole would have had to carry that fuel with them, or a second trip would have been necessary from McMurdo Station over land carrying literally thousands of gallons of fuel," he said.

In just three hours, Airmen delivered what would take days or weeks to accomplish through any other means, the captain said.

"The C-17 has revolutionized Antarctic logistics and this is another example of how we've leveraged our strategic airlift capability to support the National Science Foundation's tactical requirements," said Lt. Col. Jim McGann, the 304th EAS commander. "Airdropping the fuel enables critical global climate research to continue in remote locations. Without it, the project (involving six countries at a cost of more than $40 million) would fail. And support like this, even in the most hostile environment on the planet, is what McChord (AFB) does best."

The mission was flown as part of Operation Deep Freeze, a U.S. Pacific Command Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica mission. Headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and led by 13th Air Force, JTF SFA's mission is to provide air- and sealift support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program.

A total of four airdrops have now delivered supplies to the scientific campsite on the north side of the Gamburtsev province, a chain of mountains the size of the European Alps buried under five kilometers of ice.

Scientists believe the Gamburtsev Mountains are the point of origin of the East Antarctic ice sheet and may be home to some of the oldest ice on the continent, Captain O'Rourke said.

"They are trying to determine the nature of that ice and also the nature of the geophysical event that caused the uplift of the mountains, whether it was volcanic, tectonic, or otherwise," he said.

The U.S. military's support to Operation Deep Freeze began in 1955. Through this program, McChord AFB Airmen provide airlift support in an extremely adverse environment, sometimes landing the C-17 on a 6-foot thick ice runway to deliver supplies to the National Science Foundation from August through February each season.

During the 2007 to 2008 season, McChord AFB C-17s flew 57 missions to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from Christchurch carrying more than 3.1 million pounds of cargo and more than 2,800 passengers. On the return missions from the frozen sea shelf of McMurdo, C-17 aircrews flew more than 850,000 pounds of cargo and 2,700 passengers back to Christchurch.

C-17 crew makes history in Antarctica

by Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais Air Force News Agency

Lt. Col. James McGann looks out over the ice after a night vision goggles-assited landing on Pegasus Ice Runway near McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on Sept. 11. Colonel McGann leads a crew testing the concept of using night vision technology in combination with reflective cones and limited electrical lighting to land safely on the ice runway after dark. The mission was conducted by Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and led by 13th Air Force. The joint task force is currently conducting Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program. Colonel McGann is the commander of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Christchurch, New Zealand. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais)

PEGASUS ICE RUNWAY, Antarctica (AFPN) -- A C-17 Globemaster III aircrew from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., performed the first known after-dark landing in Antarctica using night vision goggles here Sept.
11.

The McChord aircrew, consisting of active duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing and Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing, verified the C-17's capability to access McMurdo Station, Antarctica, by landing here in complete darkness using night vision technology in combination with reflective cones.

The mission was flown as part of Operation Deep Freeze, which is commanded by U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. Headquartered at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and led by 13th Air Force, JTF SFA's mission is to provide air- and sealift support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program.

There is no sunlight in Antarctica for several months of the year, from around late March to the middle of August. The night vision goggle concept will make it easier and safer for C-17 aircrews to get into Antarctica any time of the year.

Maj. Corey Simmons, an evaluator pilot with McChord's 62nd Operations Support Squadron and one of the pilots on the mission, said there are many reasons the National Science Foundation may need strategic airlift during winter months.

"There could be a contingency operation where someone is sick or hurt down here during the winter-over months, when they have complete darkness for four and a half months," Major Simmons said. "We have the capability now to get them out."

The use of night vision goggles and reflective cones on the ground capitalizes on an inherent strength of the C-17 Globemaster III -- the jet is built for night vision operations. Its Heads-Up-Display shows all the aircraft's operating parameters directly in front of its pilots on a piece of glass. This allows pilots to use night vision goggles to survey the area while maintaining a close eye on the aircraft's performance.

Flying airlift missions into the coldest, windiest, and most inhospitable continent on the globe can be challenging business. No one knows this better than Lt. Col. Jim McGann, commander of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and the night vision goggle concept's chief architect. With 12 years and more than 60 missions to the ice under his belt, Colonel McGann has just about seen it all.

"Previously, we couldn't physically light the entire runway; it wasn't possible," Colonel McGann said. "Now, with the inherent [night vision goggle] capability in the C-17, the increased technological advances in night vision goggles, and 64 high-intensity retro-reflective cones placed on the runway edge, we can leverage the technologies and say, 'Let's see if we can get in there and access McMurdo at night.'

"We found the cones to be very good at illuminating the runway and providing critical situational awareness," he added. "When the aircraft turns to final [approach], the wingtip light reflects off the cones to the [night vision goggles] and we can see the entire runway."

Major Simmons said the beauty of the cones is that they light up "like Christmas trees" even though they are not powered.

"Even if you looked under the [night vision goggles] with the naked eye, you could see these things from two or three miles out coming in to Pegasus," Major Simmons said. "So the safety factor that we were able to give to this type of mission by adding something like this is exponential."

The successful test was the culmination of 18 months of planning, but the pilots on this mission said it was well worth the time and effort.

"The National Science Foundation is going to be able to get in year-round [now]," Major Simmons said. "So the fact that 18 months of planning, tests and hard work finally put that C-17 on the ground is definitely worth all the effort we put into it."

The successful test precedes a bittersweet exit for Colonel McGann; this will be his last season with Operation Deep Freeze.

"It's time," Colonel McGann said. "Like with everything, new blood is important. People seeing it with a new perspective and people with outside ideas who haven't been here as long as I have...will come into the program and bring it to the next level."

Some of the young pilots Colonel McGann talked about flew on this mission. There were ten pilots on board, all of whom were certified to land on the ice in the dark using night vision goggles and the cones.

Colonel McGann said the concept will open up many opportunities for the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program.

"Now [the National Science Foundation]...can take advantage of the full capabilities of the C-17," he said.

Team conducts emergency medical movement in Antarctica

by Capt. Genieve David JTF Support Forces Antarctica Public Affairs

Capt. Philip Poeppelman and Maj. Jason Allen look out over the ice Sept. 10 as they deliver supplies and equipment to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. On the return flight the crew evacuated a person assigned to the National Science Foundation in need of a cardiovascular evaluation to Christchurch, New Zealand. The medical movement was conducted by the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica. Captain Poeppelman is an active-duty evaluator pilot with the 8th Airlift Squadron, and Major Allen is a Reserve evaluator pilot with the 97th Airlift Squadron, both at McChord Air Force Base, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Chris Vadnais)

Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica provided a two-person medical team and C-17 Globemaster III to conduct an emergency medical evacuation Sept. 10 for a 56-year-old male assigned to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica.

The patient needed a cardiovascular evaluation and was deemed as too high a risk to go unescorted from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to a New Zealand hospital, said Capt. Greg Richert, the on-board flight surgeon.

"We took an oxygen setup, emergency airway kits, a defibrillator and emergency intervention kit, just to be on the safe side," Captain Richert said. "I have the best job in the world-deploying at a moment's notice, and helping people. I enjoy doing things like this."

The patient was successfully moved without incident aboard the McChord Air Force Base, Wash., C-17 and is currently receiving medical care in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The aircrew and medics are part of the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, with headquarters at Hickam AFB and led by 13th Air Force. The joint task force -- made up of active-duty, Guard and Reserve Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard members -- is currently conducting Operation Deep Freeze in support of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Antarctic Program.

In addition to moving people in need of medical attention, Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica coordinates strategic intertheater airlift, tactical LC-130 Hercules deep field support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling, and transportation requirements as part of Operation Deep Freeze.

Air Force medical teams have the ability to move patients on five different aircraft. The most common aircraft used for medical evacuation missions are C-17s, C-130s and KC-135 Stratotankers. Medical crews are fully self-contained, supplying their own oxygen and medical equipment. They only need to plug in to the aircraft's electrical system to provide en route care to their patients.

The mission was indicative of the professionalism of the joint U.S. team operating in the Pacific region and of the pride Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica personnel take in their mission, said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica and 13th Air Force commander.

"This movement is really just one small part of the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica mission, but it demonstrates how well our people are trained and how quickly we can respond when needed," General Utterback said. "Our joint team is proud to support the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program as they continue their research in Antarctica, and to help their people when they are most in need."

NAVELSG Sailors Depart for Peacetime Mission in Antarctica

Sailors assigned to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One (NCHB-1) conduct cargo handling operations off the Military Sealift Command ice strengthen container ship MV American Tern (T-AK 4729) for the annual resupply mission for Operation Deep Freeze at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Feb. 4-12. For more than 50 years the National Science Foundation has relied on the highly skilled Navy Cargo Handlers to ensure safe delivery of life-sustaining cargo for its research scientists and residents at McMurdo Station. Around the clock, in two 12-hours shifts, the Sailors off-load and load a cargo ship in Antarctica during the summer month of February, which provides continuous sunlight on the continent. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Vincent Clifton)

By Lt. Penny Cockerell, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Public Affairs

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- Nearly 60 Sailors from the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) active-duty battalion Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1, left Williamsburg, Jan. 18, for a peacetime mission.

The Navy cargo handlers will arrive in Antarctica in a few days to deliver a one-year supply of food, equipment and medicine for researchers living year-round on the coldest and windiest continent in the world.

NCHB 1 is the only Navy detachment supporting the National Science Foundation research at the South Pole. Their supplies will support U.S. polar scientists who have discovered Martian meteors and dinosaur bones buried in the glaciers, among other finds.

Despite working 12-hour shifts in the harshest conditions, Sailors compete for the chance to go.

"I've gotten to do a lot of traveling and Antarctica is certainly something not many Oklahomans get to see," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Angela Kerr.

The Navy has supported expeditions to Antarctica for more than a half century. Their specialized training and equipment continue to make them well-suited for the job.

Each year, a tanker and a container ship from the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) make the difficult journey through icy waters to McMurdo. These ships carry 100 percent of the fuel and more than 70 percent of the supplies and scientific equipment that the station needs to operate. MSC has participated in Operation Deep Freeze every year since McMurdo was established in 1955.

"We can get the cargo there, but without the cargo handling battalion, it wouldn't get offloaded," said Rick Appling from MSC's Sealift Logistics Command Pacific. "Those Sailors are an absolutely critical node in the operation."

Offloading these life-sustaining supplies to McMurdo Station is critical – and there is only a small window of time during Antarctica's round-the-clock sunlight to accomplish the mission. If it doesn't get done, the entire Antarctica mission would be forced to shut down.

The United States established its largest permanent antarctic base at McMurdo Station, which is a collection of metal huts that are dug into the volcanic rock, accessible by sea only during a brief summer period.

"Every cargo handler desires and dreams of making this mission, so we pick the best and the brightest," said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Melvey, executive officer for NCHB 1. "We're honored to have had this opportunity for more than 50 years to support scientific research that ultimately affects everyone on the earth."

The Navy cargo handlers will arrive at Ross Island, Antarctica, on or about Jan. 29 and make port at McMurdo Station, the southern-most navigable harbor in the world.

Once there, Navy cargo handlers will meet MSC dry cargo ship, MV American Tern (T-AK 4729), to offload 20 million pounds of fresh supplies to support the scientists and researchers living year-round in the brutal environment. Cargo handlers will work around the clock for seven to 10 days in the continuous sunlight of the Antarctic summer.

The highly-trained group combats fatigue, crushing workloads and summertime temperatures that can plunge, in a blowing storm, to 50 degrees below zero.

Once the fresh supplies are offloaded, the previous year's trash is hauled aboard the ships. By international agreement, researchers must save and export all waste to preserve the pristine polar environment.

The return shipment includes ice core samples that will provide scientists studying global climate change with information about the composition of the atmosphere hundreds of thousands of years ago.

C-17 polar airdrop capability successful

by Lt. Col. Toni Kemper, 13th Air Force Public Affairs

Supplies airdropped by a McChord Air Force Base, Wash., C-17 Globemaster III land at a drop zone at the South Pole Dec. 18. By validating the C-17 capability to complete airdrop missions at the Geographical South Pole, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica demonstrated its ability to provide mid-winter emergency re-supply and flexible support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctica Program. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Blog editor note: You can get frequencies to monitor activity at Antarctica on this message posted here on the Milcom Monitoring Post.

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) -- During the winter season at the South Pole, temperatures often dip as low as minus 100 F and can paralyze an aircraft's hydraulic systems, crystallize the fuel and solidify lubricants.

However, freezing temperatures did not deter Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica Operation Deep Freeze crews and support personnel from validating the C-17 Globemaster III's polar airdrop capability by successfully airdropping 22,372 pounds of supplies to the South Pole Dec. 18.

Twenty containerized delivery system bundles were delivered in two passes of 10 bundles each. The mission was a combined effort of JTF-SFA, 62nd Airlift Wing, 446th Airlift Wing, National Science Foundation and Raytheon Polar Services Corporation personnel.

Airdrop operations were executed at approximately 10,700 feet above sea level and crew members were on oxygen for the unpressurized airdrop sequence. Elevation at the South Pole is approximately 9,300 feet above sea level.

"This is an extremely challenging mission, both for the aircrew and the aircraft," said Lt. Col. Jim McGann, the commander of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron based in Christchurch, New Zealand. "But it's an absolute critical capability and a skill set we need to exercise on a regular basis to ensure we can execute an emergency airdrop on the South Pole within hours of an NSF request."

This is the second consecutive year that crews have demonstrated this capability. The first C-17 airdrop of supplies to the South Pole was successfully completed on Dec. 19, 2006. Approximately 70,000 pounds of supplies were delivered during that milestone mission.

"This mission is testimony to the flexibility and reach of airpower," said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Utterback, JTF-SFA commander. "The airlift, sealift and ground support capability executed by an integrated total force team operating in an unforgiving and unique environment make Operation Deep Freeze a one-of-a-kind mission."

By validating the C-17 capability to complete airdrop missions at the Geographical South Pole, JTF-SFA demonstrated its ability to provide mid-winter emergency re-supply and flexible support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctica Program. The ability to airdrop supplies using the C-17 versus the LC-130 Hercules, which is the traditional platform used to airland supplies on the ice, allows aircrews to deliver up to four times as much supplies in a single airdrop mission in conditions that do not allow airland missions.

The extreme temperature, around-the-clock darkness and crosswinds up to 60 miles per hour create blizzard conditions and zero visibility, making it impossible for an aircraft to land.

Operation Deep Freeze is a unique 13th Air Force-led joint and total force mission that has supported the NSF and USAP since 1955. The 2007-2008 season kicked off Aug. 20. C-17 flights from Christchurch staged essential personnel and equipment at McMurdo station to prepare the ice runway for the main C-17 and LC-130 operations which began Oct. 2. Main season resupply consists of C-17 intercontinental flights between Christchurch and McMurdo and LC-130 flights from McMurdo to the South Pole and other camps throughout Antarctica.

As of Dec. 17, C-17s have delivered 2,689,462 pounds of cargo and passengers to McMurdo, and LC-130s have delivered 3,966,416 pounds of cargo, fuel and passengers to research facilities throughout Antarctica. Vessel resupply operations begin in January when Military Sealift Command vessels deliver fuel and supplies to McMurdo Port.

Operation Deep Freeze is unlike any other U.S. military operation and is one of the most demanding peacetime missions due to the extreme adversity of the environment and the remoteness of Antarctica. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest, highest and most inhospitable continent on the globe.

The U.S. military is uniquely equipped to assist the National Science Foundation in the accomplishment of its mission to explore Antarctica, and the 613th Air and Space Operations Center at Hickam has the capability to provide joint operational and logistics support to the NSF around the clock. Operation Deep Freeze involves active-duty and reserve C-17s from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., New York Air National Guard ski-equipped LC-130s, U.S. Coast Guard and/or commercial icebreakers, and the U.S. Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One provides port services at McMurdo Station.

A drop zone controller guides the C-17 Globemaster III aircrew members during the containerized delivery system airdrop of supplies Dec. 18 to the South Pole. By validating the C-17 capability to complete airdrop missions at the Geographical South Pole, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica demonstrated its ability to provide mid-winter emergency re-supply and flexible support to the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctica Program. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Winter flights to Antarctica wrap up

by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo, Air Force News Agency
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFPN) -- Airmen from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., completed the Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter fly-in season when a final C-17 Globemaster III took off Aug. 25 from Pegasus White Ice Runway in Antarctica.

Members of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron flew a total of 355 passengers and 119,953 pounds of cargo to and from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during the winter fly-in, or WinFly, season.

McMurdo Station serves as the logistical hub for much of the U.S. Antarctic Program. With the influx of cargo and people delivered by a C-17 Globemaster III, McMurdo Station staff will begin preparations for the main summer research season. They will prepare buildings, offices, equipment and an ice runway on McMurdo Sound for the arrival of the main body population of scientists and support staff.

Winter fly-in is the coldest time of the year. Temperatures of -40 degrees are not uncommon and wind chills can cause the temperatures to be -130 degrees. Despite these extremes and only one delay due to bad weather, the C-17 crews dealt with the adversity.

"The mission was outstanding. It couldn't have gone any better if we planed it," said Capt. Cory Simmons, a pilot with the 304th EAS.

As a reliable platform for Operation Deep Freeze, C-17s can carry numerous passengers, cargo and fuel to Antarctica and back with reduced risks. With minor changes to the aircraft, each mission is carefully planned to meet the U.S. Antarctic Program's needs for their mission.

"The C-17 is designed to fly all around the world, the same way all the time. Everything is onboard ready to go to fight any fight," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Masura, the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "It's not big changes that we did for WinFly; it just gives the customer and us more flexibility with the weight and fuel, and gives us a little safety factor."

With a two-hour time frame, aircrews and maintainers were busy at work. The loadmasters unloaded and loaded cargo while the maintainers took on fuel and placed heaters at key points on the aircraft to ensure the engines and landing gears would not freeze up. The pilots kept busy cycling through the flight controls to keep the hydraulic fluids warm to ensure the integrity of the flight functions on the C-17.

"Just because it is WinFly and so cold, you worry about shutting down the engines," Captain Simmons said. "When we land, everyone is doing something. The crew is large, not because of training, but because we have eyes on everything to make sure there's no problems and everything is running smoothly."

WinFly missions to Antarctica can be a daunting task because of weather, frigid temperatures, cargo loads and people. Efficiency, safety and meeting the customers needs ended the successful week-long flurry of activity for the WinFly Airmen.

Operation Deep Freeze is divided into three seasons: WinFly, main body and winter. It involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from McChord AFB, LC-130 Hercules aircraft 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.

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.

Antarctica Flying Season Opens Sunday UTC

Thanks to Dallas McKenzie and Mark in Auckland via the UDXF newsgroup.

On Monday New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) or (Sunday night UTC from 1800Z onwards), flights from Christchurch International Airport will resume to Scott Base, Antarctica. The first flight to the ice will be a C-17A Globmmaster.

The main frequency used for communications will be with McMurdo on 9032.0 kHz USB. Auckland radio handles ATC comms on 8867.0 kHz USB until the aircraft reaches 60 degrees south when McMurdo takes over. Aircraft use the callsign "ICE," with the first flight next week using "ICE 1."

Dallas also noted that New Zealand daylight time will begin this year at the end of September, an additional three weeks.

U.S. icebreaking ship arrives in McMurdo

1/8/2007 - MCMURDO, Antarctica (AFNEWS) -- The Coast Guard became part of the Air Force-led Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica Jan. 1 with the arrival of the Cutter Polar Sea at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Home ported in Seattle, the Polar Sea arrived after a month-long voyage including stops in Honolulu and Sydney, Australia.

The Polar Sea joined the Swedish icebreaker Oden, which began breaking ice Dec. 26.
For the past 50 years, Coast Guard icebreakers have deployed to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, where ships have broken through as much as 84 nautical miles of ice to produce a navigable shipping channel into McMurdo Station. This year's channel will be approximately 23 nautical miles long -- 13 of which is first year ice at an average thickness of 3 to 5 feet and 10 of which is multi-year ice at an average thickness of 5 to 11 feet.

This vital shipping channel allows supply ships to deliver more than 6 million gallons of fuel and 4,000 metric tons of cargo, enabling McMurdo Station and South Pole Station to remain manned and operational throughout the harsh winter months. The Polar Sea also acts as a floating research platform for scientists that travel onboard.

Ice breaking operations will continue until the departure of the cargo ship in mid-February when the Polar Sea will return home.

The Polar Sea, a 399-foot polar class icebreaker with a 140-person crew, is recently out of a two-year overhaul. The Polar Sea conducted sea trials in the Arctic this summer to test all the ship's equipment and train the crew prior to transiting to Antarctica to re-supply the McMurdo station for the National Science Foundation.

The Polar Sea was specifically designed for solo icebreaking in remote Polar Regions. The cutter's red reinforced hull is made of 1.75 inches of steel that covers a specially contoured icebreaking bow. The cutter can call on 75,000 shaft horsepower enabling it to break up to 21 feet of ice. The Polar Sea has deployed 17 times in support of Operation Deep Freeze.

(Courtesy of 13th Air Force Public Affairs)

HF and VHF frequencies used in Antarctica
Source: Field Manual for the US Antarctica Program

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.