NSF PR 99-9 - February 16, 1999
Media contact: |
Peter West |
(703) 292-8070 |
pwest@nsf.gov |
Program contact: |
Maj. Bob Bullock,
(USAF Christchurch, N.Z.) |
011-643-358-1495 |
|
This material is available primarily for archival
purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information
may be out of date; please see current contact information
at media
contacts.
Navy Flies Last Antarctic Mission
CHRISTCHURCH, NZ -- The U.S. Navy made its final flight
in support of the National Science Foundation's (NSF)
U.S. Antarctic Program today, bringing to an end an
important 44-year era in naval aviation.
Logistical support for the U.S Antarctic Program is
now carried out by the New York Air National Guard's
109th Airlift Wing, based in Schenectady, N.Y.
For more than four decades, the Navy squadron had
played a vital role in shuttling personnel and cargo
to Antarctica and to research locations throughout
the continent.
The last ski-equipped LC-130 cargo aircraft flight
by VXE-6, the Antarctic Development Squadron, was
made from McMurdo Station in Antarctica to Christchurch,
New Zealand at dusk, where it was met by a large crowd
of well-wishers.
The people of Christchurch will honor the aviators
and support personnel of VXE-6 Saturday, Feb. 20 on
the grounds of Christchurch International Airport,
staging location for U.S. Antarctic Program operations
in New Zealand.
"This is a proud but somber day for the men and women
of VXE 6 and the U.S. Navy," stated Commander Dave
Jackson, the unit's last commanding officer. "For
more than 44 years, the U.S. Navy has committed itself
to leading the way in the support of science in Antarctica.
Today, I am proud to say that our mission is done."
Decommissioning ceremonies for VXE-6 will be held
on Mar. 27 at the squadron's home station, Point Mugu
Naval Air Station in Oxnard, Calif.
The Schenectady-based 109th is now the world's only
ski- equipped C-130 unit.
For more information or to arrange interviews with
Cdr. Jackson, contact: Operation Deep Freeze spokesman
Maj. Bob Bullock in New Zealand at 011-643-358-1495
or 011-643-358-1407 or after hours at 011-643-358-8129.
Photos of the last Navy takeoff from Antarctica are
available upon request.
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