Every autumn, the United States Air Force (USAF) sends some of its airlifters to New Zealand to stage airlift support for Antarctica . Considering that Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 62nd Airlift Wing, supported by the Air Force Reserve's 446th Airlift Wing, has been supporting Operation Deep Freeze for 26 years, it's no surprise to see Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs lead the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (304th EAS).
What is Operation Deep Freeze?
Operation Deep Freeze is an operation to support the United States "National Science Foundation by transporting equipment and personnel to Antarctica, enabling groundbreaking scientific research on the continent," as per a December 3, 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs statement. According to the US National Science Foundation, the Foundation has an active United States Antarctic Program. The United States Antarctic Program supports science in the very cold and isolated Antarctica in these fields:
Astronomy Atmospheric Sciences Biology Earth Science Environmental Science Geology Glaciology Marine Biology Oceanography
One can watch a December 11, 2007 Air Force Report video on the operation:
There are three science stations on the Antarctic continent, and 3,500 Americans participate annually, so the need for logistic support is real. With 30+ nations having scientific missions on the frozen continent, there are also commercial widebodies making flights to Antarctica as per our Antarctic ice airport guide below:
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However, the main logistic support for Operation Deep Freeze comes uses Phoenix Airfield, which is under the direct control of the United States Government.
About Phoenix Airfield, the current US Antarctic resupply airfield
According to an April 7, 2016, National Science Foundation statement, the Phoenix in Phoenix Airfield pays tribute to a, "C-121 Constellation transport plane, which was flown during the 1960s and early 1970s by Antarctic Development Squadron Six (known colloquially as VXE-6) a Navy unit which for many years provided operational support to the Antarctic Program." Unlike its predecessor, Pegasus Airfield, the Phoenix Airfield is based on compacted snow, not glacial ice, and less sensitive to the Antarctic Summer. One can watch an explainer of how Phoenix Airfield is maintained:
With a facility such as Phoenix Airfield, the 304th EAS' C-17s and C-130s can safely deliver all kinds of passengers and cargo. As per the photography below, a Southern Lakes Helicopter Eurocopter AS 350 B3 ZK-IBR has been safely transferred to and from Antarctica via C-17, among other cargo:
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Also, here are some photos of the mighty C-17 Globemaster III on the Antarctic ice:
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Below is a quick video posted to X about the flight:
However, the logistics flown in to support Phoenix Airfield and the US National Science Foundation facilities all fly out of Christchurch, New Zealand. The Kiwis don't mind - in fact, some Kiwis get excited at seeing C-17s.
The Christchurch Gateway to Antarctica
Christchurch, New Zealand's Christchurch Airport (CHC) is a hub for New Zealand's South Island and US logistical support to Antarctica. Airlines such as China Southern and United Airlines and Emirates with their A380s use CHC as a connection point. So how does CHC support Operation Deep Freeze?
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In a November 24 statement by Senior Airman Colleen Anthony of the 62nd Airlift Wing, USAF Col. Matthew McNulty, the outgoing commander of the 304th EAS, complimented the Christchurch fans. Colonel McNulty shared,
"The people here really care about Antarctica and the science that comes out of the area. I remember flying into Christchurch... and as we came in, there were about 150 cars lined up along the fence at the approach to the runway. It was incredible -- just people waiting to see our landing. It really showed how much the community supports us."
Additionally, as one of the plane-spotters in Graham Fisher shared with the USAF for their statement,
"We are so lucky that we have the Antarctic operations based out of Christchurch. It's really great to see the families all out here for their arrivals and to have that interaction with the crew. You know, just getting a wave -- it's amazing for the kids. Sometimes we'll stand by the fence, and the crew members will come over and give a patch to the children. It's something they'll never forget."
Below are a couple of Graham Fisher photos also from the USAF 62nd Airlift Wing:
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Clearly, a bond between C-17 aircrew and plane spotters is deeply appreciated. The author should - perhaps selfishly - note he is wearing a 7th Airlift Squadron Workhorse t-shirt he bought from the 2023 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Airpower & Military Expo while writing this report.
Bottom line: Operation Deep Freeze vital to Antarctic scientific research
There is no way that the United States would be able to support 3,500 Americans on the southernmost continent for scientific research without the logistical support of the US Air Force. However, flying into the compact snow and ice of Antarctica requires prior experience. As Staff Sgt. Colin Guernsey, flying crew chief with the 304th EAS shared in a 62nd Airlift Wing statement of November 5,
"They definitely want to send experienced people out here who really know what they're doing. This is one of our most important missions and I don't think anybody out here has less than three or four years of experience on the airframe."
We'll give Staff Sgt. Colin Guernsey the last word.