About this Unit
Antarctic Support Activities (ASA) was a U.S. Navy unit tasked with logistical and operational support for scientific missions in Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze. In the 1968-69 season, ASA played a critical role in maintaining supply lines, constructing and servicing bases such as McMurdo Station, and ensuring safe air and sea transport for personnel and equipment. The unit operated in extremely challenging conditions, coordinating with civilian scientists and other military branches to enable vital research on the continent. Their efforts during this period contributed significantly to the advancement of polar science and reinforced American presence in Antarctica.
Historical Facts
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Origin and Purpose: The Antarctic Support Activities (ASA) was a US Navy unit created to provide logistical, engineering, and operational support to the National Science Foundation's United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP) during the 1960s and 1970s.
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Operation Deep Freeze: ASA played a central role in Operation Deep Freeze, the codename for the series of US missions to Antarctica that began in 1955 and continue in various forms to this day.
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1968-69 Season Focus: During the 1968-69 austral summer, ASA was responsible for supporting major scientific expeditions, resupplying bases, and constructing and maintaining infrastructure at key locations like McMurdo Station and South Pole Station.
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Icebreaker Escort: The delivery of supplies and personnel to McMurdo Station relied on the safe passage of US Navy icebreakers, such as the USS Glacier, which carved paths through thick sea ice so cargo ships could reach the station.
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Historic Flights: ASA operated and maintained ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft, which set records for polar flights, including high-altitude landings at the South Pole and remote field camps during the 1968-69 season.
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Winter-Over Crew: The winter-over team for 1968-69 endured total isolation for months, facing complete darkness and temperatures as low as -100°F (-73°C), responsible for keeping the base operational and supporting vital experiments.
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Scientific Discoveries: ASA support enabled key discoveries in glaciology, meteorology, and geology, including core-drilling projects that advanced understanding of the Antarctic ice sheet and climate change.
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Medical Evacuation: The unit’s personnel conducted daring medical evacuations under extreme conditions, such as flying in zero-visibility blizzards to rescue injured or ill researchers.
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International Cooperation: ASA worked alongside scientists and support personnel from other nations, fostering international collaboration that was rare during the Cold War era.
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Transition to Civilian Operations: The 1968-69 season was among the final years that the US Navy would directly manage Antarctic logistics, as responsibilities gradually shifted to civilian contractors in the following decades.
