The United States in Antarctica

Report of the

U. S. Antarctic Program

External Panel

Washington, D. C.

April 1997

Questions regarding availability of this document may be directed to the

National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230.

United States Antarctic Program External Panel

Washington, D. C.

April 1997

This document represents the final report of the United States Antarctic Program External Panel. The report hs he unanimous approval of all 11 panel members and drraws upon our collective experience which includes som 4 individual trips to Antarctica involving visits to all three U. S. stations, each research ship, support icebreakers and numerous field sites. As a panel, we visited McMurdo Station and South Pole Station and toure support facilities at Christchurch. We received approximately 70 briefings and conducted 80 "one-on-one" meetings with individuals involved in virtually all aspects of the Antarctic Program. Over 200 inputs were received in response to our request for "public comments."

During visits to McMurdo and the Pole, the Panel conducted informal "Town Meetings" and was the beneficayof numerous comments by members of those communities having first-hand experience in day-to-day operations. We are most appreciative of the candor and professionalism with which we were treated by those with whom we came into contact, and in particular the members of the National Science Foundation who so expertly and constructively supported our efforts.

We believe the U. S. Antarctic Program is well managed, involves high quality science and is important to the region as well as to the United States. We also believe that in the current budget environment, costs must be reduced, preferably through increased efficency and "reinvention," but, if not, through reduced scope. Rtnsae offered herein to help ensure the continued viability of the program into the 21st century.

Signatures

Contents

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction

3.0 AntarcticaThe Environment

4.0 Antarctica Past and Present

4.1 Early Antarctic Activity

4.2 Current U.S. Antarctic Program

4.3 Recent History of U.S. Science in Antarctica

5.0 Antarctica - Significance Today

5.1 Importance of U.S. Presence in Antarctica

5.2 Development of U.S. Policy

5.3 Antarctic Research

5.4 Environmental Considerations

6.0 Findings

6.1 Geopolitical Significance

6.2 Scientific Activity

6.3 International Cooperation

6.4 Facilities

6.5 Provisions for Capital Asset Replenishment

6.6 Life-Extension of Existing South Pole Facilities

6.7 Level Funding

6.8 Safety and Health

6.9 Management Effectiveness

6.10 Ongoing Facility Improvements

6.11 Cost Visibility

6.12 Personnel Issues

6.13 Support Capacity

6.14 Management Structure

6.15 Cost Reduction Opportunities

6.16 Transition of Aviation Responsibilities

6.17 Telecommunications

6.18 Robotics

6.19 Technology Opportunities

6.20 Education Opportunities

6.21 Tourism

6.22 National Commitment to an Antarctic Policy

7.0 Recommendations

7.1 Presence

7.2 Safety and Health

7.3 Program Scope

7.4 International Cooperation

7.5 South Pole Facilities

7.6. Funding

7.7. Planning and Budgeting

7.8 Management

7.9 Program Integration

7.10 Transition

7.11 Telecommunications

7.12 Tourism

Appendices

I. Biographies of Members

II. Terms of Reference

III. State Department Views

IV. Summary of Recommendations

V. Presentations and Interactions

VI. International Agreements: Excerpts

VII. Bibliography

Glossary

Exhibits