Joint Operation Completes Massive Cargo Transfer in Antarctica

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jonathan Hannon
  • Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica
McMurdo Station, Antarctica --  Battling challenging weather conditions, 92 soldiers and sailors provided specialized support to the on-site workforce to achieve the single annual resupply of the U.S. Antarctic Program. Incoming and retrograde cargo totaling 15.5 million pounds was handled by members of the Joint Task Force - Support Forces Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze, the DoD's support activity to the National Science Foundation-managed USAP.

As a result of a very weak ice pier at McMurdo this season, the NSF requested JTF-SFA assistance to ensure the vital resupply of the station. Since 1973, the ice pier has been used to off load and back load cargo and material annually. The floating pier is made of steel-cable reinforced, artificially-thickened ice constructed during the austral winter.

The U.S. Army's 331st Transportation Company, falling under the 7th Sustainment Brigade based at Fort Eustis, Va., responded to this request for assistance. The 331st TC is responsible for the operation of the Modular Causeway System in Logistics over the Shores missions worldwide. This was the first time the company worked in Antarctica.

"When we were notified that we had been selected to participate in Operation Deep Freeze, the unit was absolutely ecstatic. Our unit trains year round on causeway operations preparing for possible contingency missions around the world. So, although it was short notice, we were fully willing, ready, and eager to assist the National Science Foundation in their annual resupply at McMurdo Station," Army Capt. Christina Shelton, 331st TC commander, said.

With the aid of sailors from Naval Cargo Handling Battalion-One, New Zealand Defence Force personnel, and contractors, more than 700 shipping containers containing food, parts and supplies as well as research equipment, were safely transported between the vessel and the station over the course of eight demanding days.

At a commander's call following the completion of the operations, Air Force Col. Gary James, JFT-SFA deputy commander praised the outstanding effort of the soldiers and sailors, the majority having made their first trip to the world's coldest, windiest, and most inhospitable continent.

"ODF is a difficult mission. While most of you were excited to set foot on the 'last continent', I am sure the novelty wore off quickly for you newcomers with the weather you faced. You went to work in some very harsh weather conditions and kept plugging away safely, effectively and efficiently. Your performance was truly magnificent," Col James said.

Within the scope provided by NSF policy and direction, JTF-SFA forces coordinate with inter-agency and international partners to provide air and maritime cargo and passenger transport throughout the Antarctic Joint Operations Area. Under the NSF's lead, JTF-SFA forces consist of active duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard as well as DOD civilians and attached non-DOD civilians.