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Defence has kicked off its support for the Australian Antarctic Program’s summer period as part of Operation Southern Discovery.
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A RAAF C-17A Globemaster III last month dropped off the first supplies at Wilkins Aerodrome in Antarctica, with the Air Force – alongside the Army and Navy – to provide ongoing assistance to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water’s Antarctic research.
“This year Navy, Army and Air Force personnel will operate in extreme locations and conditions across the Antarctic to provide a range of capabilities throughout the period,” the ADF said in a press release.
“The ADF’s involvement in the Australian Antarctic Program is consistent with the Antarctic Treaty's prohibition of any military activity other than the provision of personnel or equipment in support of scientific or other peaceful purposes.”
The Defence support includes cargo flights between Wilkins and the Australian mainland; basing RAAF movements specialists at Casey Station for northbound air cargo; ICT infrastructure upgrades by RAAF and Army signallers at Australian research stations; air and sea cargo preparation by Australian-based Army and Air Force logistics specialists; and terrestrial survey support on Macquarie Island from Navy and Defence Science and Technology Group drone operators.
“The long-distance transportation of supplies and the conduct of specialist and logistic support in an austere and remote environment highlights Defence’s broad capabilities,” said Major General Paul Kenny, Acting Chief of Joint Operations.
The annual Operation Southern Discovery takes place mainly in the summer season between November and March.
