Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 begins

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shane Cuomo
  • Air Force Print News
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand --  Operation Deep Freeze 2007-08 winter fly in began today as the first C-17 Globemaster III delivered passengers and cargo to McMurdo Station, Antarctica ending five and a half months of isolation for the research station.

WinFly, the first of three phases for ODF, sets the stage for the U.S. Antarctic Program. Landing 15 miles from McMurdo at Pegasus runway the C-17s will carry in scientists and support personnel to start early pre-summer projects, to augment maintenance personnel and to prepare ski ways and ice runways at McMurdo.

"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, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron commander.

When personnel arrive at Antarctica they have to take about an hour trip from Pegasus to McMurdo. Once the 10,000 by 220 foot annual sea ice runway is completed the trip will be 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," said Colonel McGann.

ODF 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 Reservist 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," said Colonel McGann. "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," he said.

Transitioning McMurdo from a quiet isolated winter camp to a logistical hub for the USAP 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, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron superintendent. "Time is limited due to daylight and we have to get in and out as quickly as we can," he said.

The U.S. military is uniquely equipped to assist the National Science Foundation in the accomplishments of its mission to explore Antarctica and 13th Air Force has the capability to provide joint operational and logistical support around the clock.

ODF 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 support from the New York Air National Guard and other aircraft necessary to support the mission; U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers and the U.S. Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One to provide critical port services at McMurdo Station.