Military Sealift Command Completes Cargo Delivery to McMurdo Station in Operation Deep Freeze 2026
The mission involved assembling the causeway on the ship’s deck before offloading and positioning it by the Army’s 7th Transportation Battalion.
ANTARCTICA — On February 12, the Military Sealift Command chartered heavy lift ship Plantijngracht completed cargo offload operations at McMurdo Station, utilizing a 65-ton floating modular causeway system to deliver essential supplies for the United States Antarctic Program managed by the National Science Foundation.
This operation supported the annual resupply mission, providing dry goods and materials needed for the station’s isolation period. The mission involved assembling the causeway on the ship’s deck before offloading and positioning it by the Army’s 7th Transportation Battalion.
Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 handled the transfer of 372 pieces of cargo, including containers with mechanical parts, vehicles, and electronics. Retrograde cargo and ice-core samples were loaded for return to California.
Environmental factors, such as variable ice conditions and high winds, extended timelines and required adaptations based on prior experiences. The causeway replaced the traditional ice pier, addressing cargo size constraints in this remote location.
The operation underscores the logistical prowess required to support scientific research in one of the world’s most remote and extreme environments, where unpredictable weather and ice conditions pose constant challenges.
Operation Deep Freeze facilitates year-round occupation of U.S. stations, enabling studies in major disciplines while maintaining an active American presence on the continent.
This presence aligns with national interests outlined in policy directives, emphasizing peaceful scientific cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty while preparing for potential future strategic considerations in polar regions.
Recent developments highlight the mission’s adaptability, including the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s role in breaking through pack ice and assisting vessels like the cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II, which became beset in ice during the same deployment.
These efforts not only ensure safe navigation but also demonstrate interoperability among military branches, contributing to broader operational readiness applicable to both Antarctic and Arctic theaters.
