NY Air Guard's 109th Airlift Wing moves 1,086 passengers and millions of pounds of supplies across Antarctica during 2025-26 mission season
The wing, which flies the ski equipped LC-130H aircraft, completed it's 38 year support Antarctic research on March 11
Scotia, New York (03/16/2026) — 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, 2026.
The 109th Airlift Wing deployed 200 Airmen and three aircraft throughout the season in support of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of War's annual mission to sustain the U.S. Antarctic Program.
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. McMurdo Station 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 (USAP), 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 science stations on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide in support of continued 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 over 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 ODF. Missions focused primarily on sustainment operations at the South Pole and the WAIS 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 able to conduct tactical landings on snow and ice, enabling year-round scientific research operations throughout Antarctica.
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An LC-130 Skibird flown by the 109th Airlift Wing takes off in Antarctica on Dec. 23, 2025. The New York National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing flies the LC-130 in support of Operation Deep Freeze, supporting the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. The LC-130 Skibird is a variant of the C-130 Hercules aircraft, the Skibird is the only heavy airlift in the world equipped with skis to land on snow and ice. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Enders)
Airman 1st Class Chase Santoro, a loadmaster with the 109th Airlift Wing, directs cargo being loaded onto an LC-130 Hercules aircraft at Williams Field, Antarctica, Dec. 22, 2025. The ski-equipped cargo aircraft supports Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of War’s annual mission to provide logistical support to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Enders)
A LC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing is loaded with cargo at Williams Field, Antarctica, Dec. 22, 2025. The ski-equipped cargo aircraft supports Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of War's annual mission to provide logistical support to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Gabriel Enders)
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