NSF/OPP Antarctic Treaty Report- Ships and Aircraft-2003-2004 Mods

Section I of the Modifications of Activities Planned for 2003-2004 lists any changes to ship and aircraft usage planned for this time period.

Ships

The US Coast Guard Icebreakers Polar Star and Polar Sea arrived McMurdo this season to support cutting and clearing of the channel due to extremely heavy ice conditions in the Ross Island area. The Resupply Vessel American Tern arrived McMurdo on February 05, and completed vessel operations on February 11. The American Tern sailed on February 12 for Port Lyttleton, NZ.

Aircraft

During Winfly (August) the USAP used 3 C-17 missions to move people and cargo between Christchurch and McMurdo. The USAF C-141 completed 19 missions and the C-17 completed 12 missions between Christchurch and McMurdo during October and November. The USAF C-141 returned to McMurdo during January and February completing 22 missions. The Royal New Zealand Air Force completed 15 missions between Christchurch and McMurdo during November and December.