Forged in Ice: Joint Air and Sea Power Sustain Operation Deep Freeze

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Komlan Adjassem | An LC-130H Hercules assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, flies over the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Feb. 3, 2026. Joint Task Force–Support Forces Antarctica supports Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. military’s logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program. (U.S. Navy photo by Builder 2nd Class Komlan P. Adjassem)  

ANTARCTICA

03.03.2026

Courtesy Story

Pacific Air Forces

MCMURDO STATION, Antarctica – Sustaining the U.S. presence in Antarctica requires a small number of specialized capabilities operating in one of the world’s harshest environments. Among the most critical are the LC-130H Hercules and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star — two platforms that enable access to the southernmost continent in support of Operation Deep Freeze.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s involvement in polar operations dates to 1867, when cutters were dispatched to the Arctic after the acquisition of Alaska. The mission evolved from only law enforcement and sovereignty patrols to also supporting scientific research in ice-covered waters . During World War II, the Coast Guard operated Wind-class icebreakers, which proved vital in the North Atlantic and early Antarctic operations. In 1946, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Northwind participated in Operation Highjump, a U.S. Navy expedition that established the Little America IV research base and conducted extensive exploration of Antarctica, marking a significant milestone in U.S. engagement with the continent.

Recognizing the growing demands of polar logistics and science, the Coast Guard commissioned the Polar Star and Polar Sea in 1976, then the world’s most powerful non-nuclear icebreakers. Today, with the Polar Sea no longer in active service, the Polar Star executes the Operation Deep Freeze mission annually, breaking a channel through the Ross Sea’s ice to resupply McMurdo Station, the primary U.S. hub in Antarctica. The cutter also escorts research and supply vessels, ensuring maritime access critical to sustaining year-round operations.

While the Polar Star opens the sea route, ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft provide the air bridge across the Antarctic interior. One aircraft, an LC-130H, began its service in 1977 with the U.S. Navy's Antarctic Development Squadron Six as an LC-130R. Operating from ice runways across the continent, the aircraft supported ODF missions that helped establish the modern model for Antarctic airlift.

After the Navy transitioned out of Antarctic aviation, the aircraft was transferred to the U.S. Air Force, converted to the LC-130H configuration and returned to service in 2000 with the139th Airlift Squadron,109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard. It is the Department of War’s only unit operating ski-equipped tactical airlift aircraft. That same LC-130H has since continued to deliver personnel, fuel and cargo for the National Science Foundation and the United States Antarctic Program.

Operating under the joint command and control of Joint Task Force–Support Forces Antarctica, the combined efforts of the Polar Star and the LC-130 fleet enable sustained operations at the edge of the world. One breaks the ice to open the gateway; the other extends reach across the continent. Together, they exemplify the joint, interagency teamwork required to maintain access, support scientific discovery and uphold the U.S. presence in Antarctica.

Author credit: Col. Tirso “Fez” Peña is the deputy commander of Joint Task Force–Support Forces Antarctica.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2026
• Date Posted: 03.05.2026 15:53
• Story ID: 559328
• Location: AQ