Deep Freeze

by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht
177th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/11/2014 - SOUTH POLE, Antarctica -- While dealing with snow in New Jersey courtesy of winter storm Hercules, an Airman from the 177th Fighter Wing has been measuring snow "in feet" at the bottom of the world here recently.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Greg Mascaro, a safety manager who works at Warren Grove Gunnery Range, is currently deployed as part of Operation Deep Freeze, a joint mission that sees the Air Force LC-130 aircraft from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing transporting supplies to remote science outposts in Antarctica.

"The most challenging aspect is dealing with the weather," said Mascaro. "Warmer days pose a challenge for the ice runway. The slushy conditions make it very difficult for the planes to get airborne. Colder days with high winds also have a unique challenge here. Many times planes can't take off because of the whiteout conditions."

In addition to the tough weather conditions, Mascaro deals with the difficulty of resting.

"Currently, it is austral summer so the sun never sets, which makes sleeping a challenge as well," Mascaro said.

The 109th AW unique aircraft, the U.S. military's only planes equipped with skis, have been performing this mission at the South Pole since 1999.

"The Airmen of the 109th are a very talented group of people, from those who are repairing the planes to those who are landing on nothing but ocean ice," said Mascaro. "It has been a truly rewarding experience."