Deployment to Antarctica for research work through the U.S. Antarctic Program involves a number of unique travel aspects. Weddell seal research team members travel initially to Christchurch, New Zealand, where everyone on the field team is issued extreme cold weather (ECW) clothing. From Christchurch, the field team then boards a C17 military transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force for the flight to McMurdo Station.
Here at McMurdo, logistical preparations and specialized training for deployment into the field are continuing. Because the Weddell seal field research team will be working from a remote field camp on the sea ice, several specialized training courses are required, including a two day "Snow School" (genially referred to as "Happy Camper School") which provides vital information and skills training for working safely in the Antarctic field--or a one day refresher course for those who have recently completed the training--and a day long "Sea Ice Course." Additional courses cover everything from snowmobile handling and light vehicle training to field communications.
The field team has a very busy week ahead!
- Mary Lynn Price
Comments