Getting assigned to Antarctica?

Seabees use to deploy to the Artic in support of the research station there. I know our Subs go there from time to time

Seabees use to deploy to the Artic in support of the research station there. I know our Subs go there from time to time.

I would jump on it but my wife might kill me if it wasn't just a normal deployment length.

1968 I was a PH-2 (photographer) with specialty in high and low level surveillance photography. There was an article in Navy Times seeking volunteers for the Anatarctic. I volunteered and was accepted. VX-6 was home-based at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. In 1969 we were redesignated as VXE-6. I made two summer deployments; 1968-69 and 1969-70. There was an automated panoramic camera system on LC130F (BuNo 148320) I served as crew on the aircraft - we photographed topology for USGS mapping, took part in penguin counts - photography of the rookeries from the air, and supported "SARPs" (Scientists in Antarctic Research Program) in their research programs. It was a great opportunity for adventurers - I loved it.

Give me 30 minutes to pack.

I tried in 92 to go but was told that the Navy was getting away from AD at Deep Freeze.

Many memories of the Ice. All my pictures were taken with Kodachrome so they're in slide format. One of these days I'll go through them and work on making a picture book.

The original Crystal Ball placed at the South Pole was actually a bowling ball lifted from our two lane alley. It was dipped in a conductive ceramic and then chrome plated. I remember the Special Services Officer pacing in my office griping that someone stole a bowling ball while slapping a plywood box on my credenza which had "Antarctic Crystal Ball Delivery Service" burned into it. Had a hard time keeping a straight face while Gene was pacing.

Been there, done that. I spent three years in the U.S. Navy's Antarctic Development Squadron SIX (VXE-6). The squadron was based out of Point Mugu, CA and deployed each year for 6-9 months to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

The squadron was comprised of UH-1 helicopters and LC-130 aircraft. We were an active duty military command, funded by the National Science Foundation to support of the U.S. Antarctic Research Program.

This was probably the most interesting of all the assignments that I've ever had.

Cold? Hell yes! Fun? More than words can say! Just take a look at the attached picture of our mascot, Puckered Pete...a drunk, hungover (yes, you CAN be both at once) penguin with disheveled feathers, bags under his bloodshot eyes, a cigar in mouth, bottle of booze in one hand, can of beer in the other, and footprints and puke over his front side. Yes, it was like that! Ah, the good old days, before the acronym PC had ever been uttered!

Back when I was single, I woulda done it. Now I'm old, out of the military, and like being warm.

One of the Chief Petty Officers during my training as a nuke was stationed at McMurdo during the days when there was a nuclear reactor on site.

THAT would have been awesome (he he he... almost said "cool"... he he he)!