Photo Credit: U.S. Navy

The LC-130 aircraft is still used today in the Arctic and Antarctic. It started as a prototype model developed by modifying a C-130A with skis in 1956.

Honoring the military on Veteran’s Day

Photo Credit: Commander Jim Waldron, USNR

A UC-1 Otter airplane at Little America V in 1957.

The U.S. military has a long history of involvement in Antarctica, even in the early days of the continent's exploration. Starting in the 1950s, the U.S. Navy served as the primary logistics arm for science and continued that work through the 1990s. Today, the U.S. Air Force at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard continue to support the mission of the National Science Foundation and U.S. Antarctic Program in Antarctica with flights to and within the continent.

Because of this close connection with the military, we pay special homage to those veterans who have participated in operations in Antarctica and around the world. Thank you for your service.

Photo Credit: Jack Cummings

A UC-1 Otter airplane at Little America V in 1957.