CORAOPOLIS, Pa. - Four firefighters from the 171st Air Refueling Wing recently returned from Operation Deep Freeze, a longstanding mission supporting the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Research Center in Antarctica.
This assignment, undertaken by Staff Sgt. Robbie Gregor, Staff Sgt. Daniel White, Staff Sgt. Matt Depodesta and Tech. Sgt. Bryan McKee, showcased the diverse ways one can serve in the Air National Guard.
Operation Deep Freeze, spearheaded by the 109th Airlift Wing out of New York, involves logistical support for scientific research in Antarctica. The 171st firefighters ensured flight line safety, including protecting and relocating local wildlife. They received specialized training to handle adélie and emperor penguins and leopard and fur seals.
"This experience was unlike any other," said Tech. Sgt. Bryan McKee. "It's not every day you get to work in one of the most remote places on Earth and interact with wildlife in such a hands-on way."
The firefighters staffed two stations, McMurdo and Williams Airfield, where they ensured the safety of C-17s, LC-130s, Twin Otters and Baslers.
Operating on ice airfields posed challenges, as temperatures plummeted to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with windchills consistently between minus 30 and minus 40 degrees.
Despite the harsh conditions, the firefighters adapted to their environment, using equipment such as Pierce fire engines and mobile aircraft rescue and firefighting apparatus fire vehicles, with waterless foam sleds pulled by tractors due to the freezing temperatures.
"Hands down, this is going to be the single coolest experience of my life," said Staff Sgt. Robbie Gregor, who received recognition from Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the Air National Guard, and Alex Wagner, assistant Secretary of the Air Force, for his dedication to the mission.
McMurdo Station, the hub of scientific research in Antarctica, houses roughly 800 people during the summer season, October through February. Researchers study astrophysics, aeronomy, biology and ecosystems, geology and geophysics, glaciology, geomorphology, ice cores, geospace sciences, and ocean and climate systems.
Firefighters ensured the safety of personnel and wildlife and participated in arctic hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.