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NSF PS 01-03 - April 24, 2001
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Peter West
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pwest@nsf.gov
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Statement by Dr. Karl Erb
Director, Office of Polar Programs
On Medevac Assistance from the Royal New Zealand Air
Force
I wish to express the gratitude of the United States
to the men and women of the Royal New Zealand Air
Force (RNZAF) who recently returned from an evacuation
flight to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
Coping with the harsh conditions in Antarctica insures
that no flight to the continent is ever "routine."
But with exacting skill, this aircrew bridged the
2000-mile gap between their country and the Antarctic
continent at a very difficult time of year to bring
several Americans safely home.
We in the U.S. Antarctic Program, and more particularly,
the families of those whose medical needs required
a level of care greater than that available at McMurdo
Station, very much appreciate the efforts made on
our behalf.
Through a formal agreement, the RNZAF provides a portion
of the logistical support for the USAP during the
research season. The timely actions of the RNZAF in
this situation are the best humanitarian traditions
of Antarctic exploration and serve to further strengthen
the bonds between our nations.
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