Multi-Force Operation Deep Freeze Underway in Antarctica

October 4, 2012
Courtesy of Air Force News Service
Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, HI, United States

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 on 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.

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.

This support is provided by the Joint Task Force–Support Forces Antarctica, led by Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, HI. JTF–SFA 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.

New Zealand's Christchurch International Airport is the staging point for deployments to McMurdo Station in 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.

Airlift for Operation Deep Freeze involves Active Duty and Reserve C-17 support from Joint Base Lewis–McChord, WA; 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 the U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command; and cargo handling from the U.S. Navy.