From paradise to the ice: PACAF supports Operation Deep Freeze
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - Aircrew supporting Operation Deep Freeze stopped at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to load medical supplies as part of a winter resupply mission supporting the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, Aug. 13, 2026. The aircrew are assigned to Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, a U.S. Pacific Command joint task force that provides logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program.
The mission, known as Winter Fly, provides personnel and supplies to Antarctica during the austral winter, helping sustain the smaller population that remains on the continent until regular seasonal operations continue.
According to U.S. Air Force Maj. John Riggs, 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron assistant director of operations, during the peak season, nearly 3,000 personnel may support NSF operations in Antarctica. During the winter months, that population drops to around 200 personnel.
“They have enough supplies to get them all the way until October,” said Riggs. “But it’s always appreciated if we can show up with fresh medical supplies and food as necessary to help them prepare until we show up on a more regular basis.”
The crew began its journey at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, before stopping at Hickam to pick up supplies. From Hawaii, the aircraft was scheduled to continue to Pago Pago, American Samoa, to prepare for freezing temperatures before heading to Christchurch, New Zealand, where ODF is staged.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Wright, Pacific Air Forces flight surgeon and Operation Deep Freeze medical operations lead also supported WINFLY.
“I was deployed as a flight surgeon to provide aeromedical support to aircrew during the mission,” said Wright. “It was an amazing experience I was fortunate to have. I really enjoyed supporting the aircrew, the medevac patients we had, and setting up the upcoming teams for success during the upcoming season from October through February 2027.”
Operation Deep Freeze brings together personnel all over the world to provide support to the Antarctic Program. Each stop along the way, including Hickam, helps move the personnel and supplies needed to sustain scientific advancements in one of the world's most remote environments.
“The National Science Foundation’s research in Antarctica matters for everyone in the U.S. and around the globe,” said Wright. “Operation Deep Freeze is how the Department of War supports that scientific endeavor.”
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