Military Winter Flying Begins in Support of Antarctic Research

The U.S. military began its winter flying period this week as part of its support to the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.

The period, known as WINFLY, is scheduled to last until Aug. 30 and will deliver advance teams and cargo to New Zealand and Antarctica for the main season of Operation Deep Freeze, beginning in late September. A 13th Air Force press release provides further details of WINFLY.

Operation Deep Freeze mission oversight and support is coordinated by Joint Task Force (JTF) Support Forces Antarctica, 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.

The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to provide such support, and has done so since 1955.

U.S. Pacific Command routinely supports and interacts with a variety of U.S. Departments and Agencies, such as the U.S. Antarctic Program, on initiatives that support national defense and other areas of national interest.

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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.

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