Antarctica Mission Complete for 2008-2009 Season

The 2008-2009 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military’s operational and logistical support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and scientific research activities of the National Science Foundation (NSF), wrapped up last week.

According to its website, the NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…"

U.S. Pacific Command’s annual support to NSF is one example of its “whole-of-government” approach to helping enhance security. Assisting both government and non-government agencies with their respective efforts to improve in areas dealing with environmental, energy, and economic issues collectively serves the best interest of the nation.

This past season’s logistical support kicked off Sept. 4, 2008 and after six months resulted in more than 50 C-17 inter-continental missions moving 4.3 million pounds of material and 3,800 passengers. Additionally, more than 280 LC-130 ice missions were flown by U.S. Air Force LC-130 aircraft, moving more than 2,000 passengers and approximately 8.7 million pounds of supplies. The tanker Gianella and cargo ship American Tern of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command delivered approximately 5.7 million gallons of fuel and 14.6 million pounds of cargo.

Operation Deep Freeze mission oversight and support is coordinated by Joint Task Force (JTF) Support Forces Antarctica, headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii and lead by 13th Air Force.

The JTF coordinates strategic intertheater airlift, tactical deep field support, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling, and transportation requirements for Operation Deep Freeze.

A firsthand account of the mission in Antarctica can be viewed by visiting the PACAF Pixels blog. An archive of Operation Deep Freeze news stories is available on the 13th Air Force website.