One of the most difficult Air Force missions -- Operation Deep Freeze -- is about to resume.

Deep Freeze is the Air Force’s resupply mission for the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctica operations. Aircrews from the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard stopped at here on their way to New Zealand.

Pacific Air Forces’ Kenny Headquarters has primary responsibility for the execution and logistical support for the Antarctica mission.

The LC-130 aircraft flying the mission look just like most C-130 except for the custom fit skis around the landing gear. They can operate in the coldest climate on Earth. LC-130 pilot Lt. Col. Mark Sakadolsky said the mission is like no other.

“The LC-130 has the skis; we are the only unit in the world that’s got them. We can fly into open snow areas, unimproved areas and ski-ways,” he said. “It’s a higher level of difficulty -- crosswinds are a concern along with the weather systems in Antarctica.”
Operation Deep freeze entails a new dimension of logistics.

“There is a lot of well thought out, well coordinated processes they have been doing for a lot of years. It is a great opportunity to support the National Science Foundation and it will be a very successful year.” said Col Mark Tapper, Air Force Forces Commander for Operation Deep Freeze.

Flights supporting the operation -- which stage from Christchurch, New Zealand -- fly into McMurdo Station, the center of Antarctica operations. Plus, the LC-130s transport people and cargo within Antarctica, said navigator Lt. Col. Shawn Clothier. He said it is a passenger and cargo service the military has been a part of since 1955.

“We will bring some people in that will swap out,” he said. “They will be there about a week or so. We will then pull the people out that have wintered over there since the end of February.”

The National Science Foundation fosters research on global and regional problems and supports research projects unique to Antarctica. The New York Guard’s LC-130’s ensure the scientist near the South Pole have the people and supplies they need to do research and study the planets harshest environment.