C-17s Deliver Passengers, Cargo To McMurdo Station
Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter flights began August 20
from Christchurch, New Zealand, 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 US 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... allowing 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 US 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 US 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.
(Aero-News salutes Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo, Air Force News
Agency)