SCOTIA, N.Y. – The New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing concluded its 38th year supporting American scientific research in Antarctica during the 2025–2026 Operation Deep Freeze season, March 11.
The 109th Airlift Wing deployed about 200 Airmen throughout the season in support of Operation Deep Freeze, or ODF, the Department of War’s annual mission to sustain the U.S. Antarctic Program.
The wing maintained three LC-130H aircraft at McMurdo Station, with a fourth aircraft staged in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The wing operates the ski-equipped LC-130H Hercules, the largest aircraft in the world capable of landing on snow and ice using skis. This unique capability allows the 109th to deliver heavy airlift to remote locations across Antarctica.
Aircrews and support personnel operated primarily from McMurdo Station, which is the largest of the U.S. year-round stations and the largest station on the continent. It is the central logistical hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program, supporting research on the continent and at the National Science Foundation’s Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The station was established on December 18, 1955, and opened in 1956 as part of Operation Deep Freeze.
During the season, the wing flew 63 missions to Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and 17 missions to West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide in support of continued science operations and camp drawdown activities. Aircrews also conducted nine aeromedical evacuation missions to Christchurch. No airdrop missions were conducted this season.
LC-130H aircraft flew more than 900 hours on the continent, with an additional 130 hours supporting deployment and redeployment operations.
Throughout the season, the 109th transported 1,086 passengers, delivered 1 million pounds of fuel and moved 2.6 million pounds of cargo in support of Operation Deep Freeze. Missions focused primarily on sustainment operations at the South Pole and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide camp pullout.
“The success of this season reflects the dedication and professionalism of our Airmen,” said Col. Steven Slosek, commander of the 109th Airlift Wing. “Operating in one of the most challenging environments requires teamwork, precision and adaptability. Their efforts ensured the successful completion of this year’s ODF mission.”
Operation Deep Freeze remains one of the Department of War’s most demanding recurring missions. The 109th Airlift Wing continues to provide the only heavy airlift capability in the world capable of conducting tactical landings on snow and ice, enabling year-round scientific research operations throughout Antarctica.