LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The term "flying south for the winter" usually invokes thoughts of tropical climates and sunny beaches, but the reality couldn't be more different for two Kentucky Air National Guard members.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Raymond Graves and Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Smith, both assigned to the 123rd Logistics Readiness Squadron here, have been supporting Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica since December, providing assistance to the McMurdo Station scientific research facility located at the bottom of the world.
Blanketed by snow and buffeted by freezing temperatures, McMurdo Station is operated by the National Science Foundation and conducts research into such subjects as astrophysics, biology, geology and climate systems, according to the foundation's web site.
The facility is kept functional thanks to Operation Deep Freeze, which tasks the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing with flying resupply missions and airlift sorties across the region using C-130 aircraft that are fitted with landing skis, Graves said.
Graves and Smith are augmenting the 109th from mid December to late February by inspecting cargo slated for transport or airdrop at McMurdo Station and several other, even more remote sites.
"The mission I'm tasked to perform ensures that the supplies the scientists need to survive and perform their research roles are safe for air movement and that these supplies reach them in the quickest possible timeline," said Master Sgt. Jason Smith, who serves as noncommissioned officer in charge of joint inspection and rigging for the operation's fourth rotation of the 2011-12 season.
Smith and Graves' responsibilities also include traveling to the remote camps to inspect cargo. After traveling to the geographic South Pole, for example, Graves inspected outbound cargo for proper packing and restraint.
"At these (remote) camps, they have trained contractors who know how to build cargo and restrain it to pallets for military airlift, but they are not manned with a military representative to inspect their cargo prior to getting on the plane," said Graves, the NCOIC of joint inspection and rigging for the operation's third rotation of the 2011-12 season.
"Another responsibility is to ensure that enough parachutes are packed and enough emergency food and fuel are rigged, in case there was the need for emergency airdrop support," he added.
The fact that Kentucky Airmen were selected to augment Deep Freeze is a source of pride for both troops, who say it reflects well on their unit's can-do reputation.
"I believe we were asked by the 109th specifically because on several occasions we have worked together with their personnel and we continue to have a great working relationship with their members," Graves said. "They understand our level of commitment and dedication when it comes to how we approach any mission."