Operation Deep Freeze
2019
Operation Deep Freeze is the codename for a series of United States missions to Antarctica, beginning with "Operation Deep Freeze I" in 1955–56, followed by "Operation Deep Freeze II", "Operation Deep Freeze III", and so on. (There was an initial operation before Admiral Richard Byrd proposed 'Deep Freeze'). Given the continuing and constant US presence in Antarctica since that date, "Operation Deep Freeze" has come to be used as a general term for US operations in that continent, and in particular for the regular missions to resupply US Antarctic bases, coordinated by the United States Military.
Today, the United States civilian and scientific operations on the Antarctic continent are overseen by the United States Antarctic Program as well as the National Science Foundation. Military support missions flown from Christchurch International Airport are conducted during the Antarctic summer (late September to early March) each year by The 109th Airlift Wing Scotia New York. The Ski equipped LC-130 Hercules is the backbone of Operation Deep Freeze. Without the capability of the 139th Air Lift Squadron many of the research projects would cease. LC-130 Hercules aircraft provide the logistical movement of cargo to remote operating locations on the continent. These aircraft are augmented by the United States Coast Guard icebreaker USCGC Polar Star, the Air Force Materiel Command, and the Military Sealift Command. The United States Air Force 13th Air Expeditionary Group deploys to Christchurch, New Zealand during the operational season.
Though weather is at its prime, it is known to turn at a drop of a dime. Crews inbound for an Ice Station have been stranded for days while a storm blows through. This mission takes planning timing and most of all pure skill. The best of the best fly the ice and vUSAF is very confident in those who answer this call. On behalf of the Air Mobility Command, we would like to welcome all participants to Operation Deep Freeze 2019 - 2020.
Important Information
VATSIM
All pilots are to log into VATSIM with the mission callsign stated in the ATO they are assigned.
ATOs
Pilots can request ATOs via this form. Once they request the ATO, it will be automatically assigned to them. They can review assignment details here. Once a pilot has complete an ATO, they should file their MISREP here. Any issues with ATOs or MISREPs should be reported to vUSAF/AMC/CC vLtGen. Drew Ritz.
vUSAF Events Discord
All participating pilots should join the vUSAF events discord.
