The US military on Feb. 24 concluded the 2009-10 Operation Deep Freeze season, wrapping up six months of logistical support to US researchers on Antarctica. This included 60 C-17 airlift missions, 330 flights of ski-equipped LC-130 transports, and sealift. Thirteenth Air Force at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, leads Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica, which includes airmen, soldiers, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen, who perform this annual mission. “I couldn’t be more proud of our Air Force’s total force effort that supports the National Science Foundation mission in the Antarctic,” said Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander. This season saw several milestones, including C-17 aircrews further refining their ability to land at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, in total darkness using night vision goggles. (JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam report by TSgt. Kerry Jackson)
Meink: Air Force Has Five More E-7s Under Contract
April 30, 2026
The Air Force has contracts in place for five additional E-7A Wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft, Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers April 30. Meink also said the Department of the Air Force wants to work with Congress to find ways to continue to fund the E-7 next year and beyond,…