Operation Deep Freeze

Operation Deep Freeze represents the U.S. military’s support of science and research activities conducted by the U.S. Antarctic Program under the direction of the National Science Foundation (NSF).  Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica (JTF-SFA) involves Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel.

U.S. Air Force aircraft which support JTF-SFA include propeller driven LC-130s, operated by the New York Air National Guard’s 109^th Airlift Wing, and the C-17 Globemasters, operated by the 62^nd and 446^th Airlift Wings, McChord Air Force Base, WA.  The LC-130, equipped with skis for snow and ice landings, is used for heavy airlift and Containerized Delivery System airdrop throughout Antarctica.  The bigger C-17 is used for long-range transport of people, equipment and supplies between Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Christchurch International Airport is the staging point for deployment to McMurdo Station, the central base of operations for all Antarctic programs conducted on the Pacific side of Antarctica and support of the U.S. Amundsen-Scott Station at the South Pole.

--Gleened from information published by the 13th Air Force Office of Public Affairs

Initial training and familiariztion, Scotia, NY, July 2010.  Note the Skis on the front of this LC-130

When landing gear is lowered, the skis come down first. 

In another configuration, the skis raise back up to allow landing on the wheels.