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57-613: The Ravens Mountains were named after the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard which has provided logistical support to the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) for several years beginning in 1988. Ravens is a nickname associated with the Airlift Wing. Download coordinates as: The Ravens Mountains are to the east of Hughes Basin , a large basinlike névé which is bounded except to

114-509: A change in the group's training mission to include high-altitude interception, air-to-ground rocketry, ground strafing and tactical bombing. The 139th TFS retained their F-86H Sabres . With air transportation recognized as a critical need, the 109th was re-designated the 109th Air Transport Group (Heavy) on 2 January 1960 and was transferred from TAC to the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). The 139th Air Transport Squadron

171-582: A disabled Russian vessel, allowing for a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 crew to later airdrop three parcels on an ice floe next to the ailing ship. Aircrews and maintainers from the 109th Airlift Wing took off on 18 October 2013 to begin the unit's annual support of the National Science Foundation in the Antarctic. Seven LC-130s were on the ice between October through February 2014. The wing has deployed 479 Air National Guardsmen to Antarctica since

228-527: A doctor with breast cancer symptoms and based at isolated Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica. The 109th Wing's high operational tempo increased dramatically with the surprise attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The 109th provided immediate support deploying 49 Civil Engineers, Services and Public Affairs personnel to Ground Zero within the first 24 hours. Since that time,

285-486: A very windy place, which made work outdoors unpleasant. All stores lying in the snow tended to get buried and there was a constant danger of them getting lost. They managed to take a number of journeys to collect seals for the dogs and to scout a route to the south. They used dogs and the Weasel tractor , and four Tucker Sno-Cats . In December 1956, Fuchs returned on Danish Polar vessel Magga Dan with additional supplies, and

342-469: Is the only unit in the world to fly these aircraft. Along with the NSF mission, the 109th Airlift Wing also supported Operation Enduring Freedom . In addition to its combat airlift mission, particularly when placed in a Federalized status, the wing also provides domestic-related functions commonly associated with Air National Guard units, such as disaster or hurricane relief. The 109th Airlift Wing consists of

399-522: The Broome County Airport at Binghamton, 109th crews provided the lion's share of airlift into stricken areas, particularly Elmira, where surface transportation was cut off. On 1 December 1974, the unit was transferred back to Military Airlift Command when MAC took over the tactical airlift mission from TAC, USAFE and PACAF air force wide. The Navy's Antarctic Development Squadron Six had been flying scientific and military missions to Greenland and

456-551: The Ross Ice Shelf , Antarctica. Williams Field consists of two hard-packed snow runways located on approximately 8 meters (26 feet) of compacted snow, lying on top of 80 meters (260 feet) of ice, floating over 550 meters (1,800 feet) of water. Williams provides support to the United States McMurdo Station and New Zealand's Scott Base . During October 1999 the 109th AW aided in the rescue of Dr. Jerri Nielsen ,

513-869: The United States Geological Survey . 109th Airlift Wing The 109th Airlift Wing (109 AW) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard , stationed at Stratton Air National Guard Base , Schenectady, New York. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command . The wing's mission is to provide airlift support to the National Science Foundation 's South Pole research program by flying LC-130H Hercules airlifters, modified with wheel-ski gear, in support of Arctic and Antarctic operations. The 109th Airlift Wing

570-522: The 109 Airlift Wing as a Flight Engineer Superintendent during the transition of LC-130 operations from the United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°22′00″S 155°18′00″E  /  80.3666667°S 155.3°E  / -80.3666667; 155.3 . A peak rising to over 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) high 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) southeast of Saburro Peak in

627-423: The 109 Airlift Wing during the transition of LC-130 operations from the United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°18′00″S 155°23′00″E  /  80.3°S 155.3833333°E  / -80.3; 155.3833333 . A peak 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) northwest of Adams Crest. Named after CMSgt Charles R. Lucia who served with the 109 Airlift Wing as Chief of Maintenance Control during

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684-609: The 109 Tactical Airlift Group and was instrumental in early transition planning of the LC-130 operations from the United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°20′00″S 155°13′00″E  /  80.3333333°S 155.2166667°E  / -80.3333333; 155.2166667 . A peak 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) east of Saburro Peak in the Ravens Mountains. It rises to over 1,800 metres (5,900 ft). Named after Chief Master Sergeant Alfred E. Stahl who served with

741-614: The 109th AW will also support U.S. Antarctic research efforts by flying 1,100 researchers and support staff, and 43 tons of cargo, from McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to New Zealand. The 109th Airlift Wing provided transportation for US National Guard and Canadian Reserve troops in a joint tactical insertion exercise off the coast of Canada in 2023. [REDACTED]  This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition The Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition ( CTAE ) of 1955–1958

798-591: The Air Force's needs. It returned again to New York State control on 31 August 1962. During the 1960s, the Group flew scheduled MATS transport missions to Europe, Africa the Caribbean and South America. On 8 January 1966, Military Air Transport Service became Military Airlift Command (MAC) and the units were re-designated as the 109th Military Airlift Group and 139th was re-designated as the 137th Military Airlift Squadron. With

855-626: The British team were separately based at Halley Bay . Fuchs was knighted for his accomplishment. The second overland crossing of the continent did not occur until 1981, during the Transglobe Expedition led by Ranulph Fiennes . Preparations began in London in 1955. Over the austral summer of 1955 to 1956, Fuchs sailed with an advance party from London to Antarctica in the Canadian sealer Theron , with

912-633: The C-130D aircraft were replaced by eight new C-130H models, of which four were ski equipped LC-130s. In 1988 the 109th had been notified that, almost overnight, one of the DEW Line radar sites that it supported in Greenland was going to be shut down. The other sites would soon follow and the 109th would be largely out of business because it main mission had ended. The last flight to radar site DYE-3 in December 1989 marked

969-745: The CTAE was a private venture, though it was supported by the governments of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, Australia and South Africa, as well as many corporate and individual donations, under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II . It was headed by British explorer Vivian Fuchs , with New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary leading the New Zealand Ross Sea Support team. The New Zealand party included scientists participating in International Geophysical Year research while

1026-557: The Doll Mountains. Named after Colonel Marion Graham Pritchard, Jr., who served as Vice Commander and then Commander of the 109 Airlift Wing during the transition of LC-130 operations from the United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°22′00″S 155°31′00″E  /  80.3666667°S 155.5166667°E  / -80.3666667; 155.5166667 . A peak 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) east of Pritchard Peak. It rises to about 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) high at

1083-479: The National Science Foundation. On 20 February 1998, responsibility for airlift support to the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) was passed over to the 109 AW from VXE-6 during a ceremony at Christchurch International Airport , Christchurch, New Zealand. With the assumption of the support mission from the Navy, the 109th established an operating location at Christchurch and a forward location at Williams Field , on

1140-628: The National Science Foundation. The wing expected to add approximately 235 full-time personnel to support that operation (which became Operation Deep Freeze ). The 109th assumed responsibility for the Volant Distant Early Warning Line (DEW Line) resupply missions as well to the DYE-1, 2, 3 and DYE-4 stations. The 109th assumed the mission from the Air Force's Alaskan Air Command receiving their eleven C-130s, five of which were ski-equipped for landings on packed snow runways. In October 1984,

1197-442: The Ravens Mountains. Named after Chief Master Sergeant Louis M. Aldi who served as the 109 Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant during the transition of LC-130 operations from the United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°20′00″S 155°01′00″E  /  80.3333333°S 155.0166667°E  / -80.3333333; 155.0166667 . A peak to the south of Doll Peak, rising to 1,930 metres (6,330 ft) high in

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1254-573: The South Pole, but when he had completed laying supply depots he saw the opportunity to beat the British and continued south, reaching the Pole—where the U.S. Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station had recently been established by air—on 3 January 1958. Hillary's party was just the third—preceded by Roald Amundsen in 1911 and Robert Falcon Scott in 1912—to reach the Pole overland. Hillary's arrival also marked

1311-562: The U.S. Navy's Antarctic Development Squadron Six ( VXE-6 ). The 109th continued to augment VXE-6's Antarctic flying operations for the next eight years. The 109th was not mobilized during the 1990 Gulf Crisis , however 109 AW members were called to duty in support of Operation Desert Shield / Operation Desert Storm . In March 1992, with the end of the Cold War , the 109th adopted the Air Force Objective Organization plan, and

1368-498: The United States Antarctic Program at McMurdo Station, 1994–95 and 1995-96 austral field seasons; Cryogenics Technician, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, 1996-2009 austral field seasons, including one winter; Manager of South Pole Science Support, 2009. 80°08′38″S 155°13′35″E  /  80.1438889°S 155.2263889°E  / -80.1438889; 155.2263889 A group comprising about six nunataks in

1425-827: The United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°15′S 155°36′E  /  80.25°S 155.6°E  / -80.25; 155.6 Icefalls about 150 metres (490 ft) high high and 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) wide at the east side of Vantage Hill. Named after Frank Brier of the Office of Polar Programs, NSF, Facilities, Engineering and Construction Program Manager for renovation of facilities at McMurdo and for South Pole Station Modernization, 1995-2001. 80°13′01″S 155°01′01″E  /  80.2169444°S 155.0169444°E  / -80.2169444; 155.0169444 A lone nunatak midway between Marty Nunataks and Raven Mountains. Named by US-ACAN (2009) after Paul J. Sullivan, Electronics Technician in support of

1482-434: The advance party, led by Ken Blaiklock , were left on the ice, having only tents and a packing crate as shelter. Most of the stores were left on the bay ice, some two miles (3.2 km) from the site of where the base was to be set up. Their first task was to get all these stores from the bay ice to the base and to try to build some permanent shelter for the oncoming winter. Once some food and paraffin had been brought up and

1539-580: The arctic Operation Deep Freeze compound's Williams Field since 1975. The 109th operated ski-equipped LC-130s had been flying National Science Foundation support missions to Antarctica since 1988. In early 1996, the United States National Guard announced that the 109th Airlift Wing at Schenectady County Airport in Scotia, New York was slated to assume that entire mission from the United States Navy in 1999. The Antarctic operation would be fully funded by

1596-401: The assigned deployment rotation. Early in 1996, it was announced that the 109th Airlift Wing was slated to assume that entire Antarctic mission from the U.S. Navy in 1999 as a result of post-Cold War Navy downsizing that would eliminate Antarctic Development Squadron Six ( VXE-6 ), along with their Navy LC-130 Hercules and UH-1 Huey aircraft. The Antarctic operation would then be fully funded by

1653-399: The dogs safely tethered by the base, the men started to build their hut. This proved to be far more difficult than had been envisaged – not only were the eight men insufficient in number to carry out the heavy tasks easily but the weather at Shackleton was colder and much windier than had been anticipated. When the skeleton of the hut was complete, the men positioned the crates containing

1710-572: The end of the DEW Line mission. The 107th assumed jurisdiction of the landing strip at the DYE-2 station for pilot training for practicing Antarctic takeoffs & landings (called Ice Station Ruby); a.k.a. the Raven Ski-way Training Facility. After the closure of the Greenland stations, the experience gained by the wing was transferred to its new mission: airlift support to the National Science Foundation 's South Pole research program and

1767-616: The end of the west ridge that descends from Adams Crest. Named after Chief Master Sergeant Michael F. Casatelli who served with the 109 Airlift Wing as Medical Administration Supervisor during the transition of LC-130 operations from the United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°20′00″S 155°33′00″E  /  80.3333333°S 155.55°E  / -80.3333333; 155.55 . The summit, 1,950 metres (6,400 ft) high, of an irregular V-shaped mountain 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) east of Saburro Peak Named after Colonel Jonathan E. Adams who served as Commander of

Ravens Mountains - Misplaced Pages Continue

1824-588: The esteemed Joel David Ellis Watkins, —were responsible for route-finding and laying a line of supply depots up the Skelton Glacier and across the Polar Plateau on towards the South Pole, for the use of Fuchs on the final leg of his journey. Other members of Hillary's team carried out geological surveys around the Ross Sea and Victoria Land areas. It was not originally intended that Hillary would travel as far as

1881-522: The first time that land vehicles had ever reached the Pole. Fuchs' team reached the Pole from the opposite direction on 19 January 1958, where they met up with Hillary. Fuchs then continued overland, following the route that Hillary had laid, while Hillary flew back to Scott Base in a U.S. plane. He would later rejoin Fuchs by plane for part of the remaining overland journey. The overland party finally arrived at Scott Base on 2 March 1958, having completed

1938-593: The following major units Established by the USAF and allotted to New York ANG in 1956. Received federal recognition by the National Guard Bureau and activated on 1 May 1956 as the 109th Fighter Group (Air Defense) . The group was assigned to the NY ANG 107th Air Defense Wing and stationed at Schenectady County Airport , Schenectady, New York. The primary mission was the air defense of eastern and northern New York. It

1995-603: The historic crossing of 3,473 kilometres (2,158 mi) of previously unexplored snow and ice in 99 days. A few days later the expedition members left Antarctica for New Zealand on the New Zealand naval ship Endeavour . The ship was captained by Captain Harry Kirkwood . Although large quantities of supplies were hauled overland, both parties were also equipped with light aircraft and made extensive use of air support for reconnaissance and supplies. Additional logistical help

2052-554: The iconic geodesic dome; from 1994-1998 engaged in on-site contract support to the Office of Polar Programs, NSF, associated with planning for modernization of South Pole Station; from 1998-2009 as Facilities Construction and Maintenance Manager at the NSF for South Pole Station Modernization and as NSF Representative South Pole. 80°16′S 155°22′E  /  80.267°S 155.367°E  / -80.267; 155.367 . A flat-topped hill, over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) high above sea level and 300 metres (980 ft) high above

2109-457: The men and women of the 109th AW have continued to voluntarily deploy in support of military operations in Southwest Asia and around the world. In its 2005 BRAC Recommendations, DoD recommended to realign the 109th Airlift Wing by transferring four C-130H aircraft to the 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas. The LC-130 aircraft (ski-equipped) would remain at Schenectady. This decision

2166-640: The purpose of establishing Shackleton Base near Vahsel Bay on the Weddell Sea , from which the trans-Antarctic expedition would begin. The Theron , like its immediate forebear, the Endurance , was trapped in the ice. Despite sustaining considerable damage, she was able to free herself with the help of the Auster Antarctic floatplane that scouted a way out. In early 1956, Fuchs sailed back to London, leaving eight men to over-winter at Shackleton. The eight men of

2223-587: The retirement of the C-97 in 1971, the 109th became a Tactical Airlift Group and the 139th Tactical Airlift Squadron received eight C-130A Hercules transports and was transferred from MAC to Tactical Air Command. The first major mission of the C-130s was in June 1972 when the squadron provided relief assistance to storm victims of Tropical Storm Agnes . 109th crews gave around-the-clock support to relief efforts. Operating mainly from

2280-522: The season began in October, with an average of 150 on duty at any one time. The Airmen deploy for 30–60 days each, working two 12-hour shifts six days each week, running supplies and people to field camps across the continent and the South Pole station. The wing has completed 38 more missions than the 181 which the Airmen had planned to execute in 2014. In addition to the routine support the 109th AW gives each year,

2337-401: The south by Ravens Mountains, Mount Henderson , Mount Olympus and Mount Quackenbush . Mount Henderson is to the northeast and Darnell Nunatak is to the southeast. Bates Nunataks are to the west. 80°17′00″S 154°50′00″E  /  80.2833333°S 154.8333333°E  / -80.2833333; 154.8333333 . A peak rising to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) high at the west end of

Ravens Mountains - Misplaced Pages Continue

2394-491: The south part of Ravens Mountains. Named after Colonel Richard M. Saburro, Commanding Officer of the 109 Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, who was the first Guard commander for Operation Deep Freeze. 80°18′S 155°06′E  /  80.3°S 155.1°E  / -80.3; 155.1 . A peak rising to 2,130 metres (6,990 ft) high in the northwest part of the Ravens Mountains. Named after Brigadier General Karl H. Doll, who served as Director of Operations of

2451-501: The southern summer of 1956–1957 was spent consolidating Shackleton Base and establishing the smaller South Ice Base, about 300 miles (480 km) inland to the south. After spending the winter of 1957 at Shackleton Base, Fuchs finally set out on the transcontinental journey in November ;1957, with a 12-man team travelling in six vehicles; three Sno-Cats , two Weasel tractors , and one specially adapted Muskeg tractor . En route,

2508-556: The surrounding plateau, standing 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) southwest of Mount Henderson. This is the most southerly point reached by the Darwin Glacier Party of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (CTAE) (1957–58), who gave it this name because of the splendid view it afforded. [REDACTED]  This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of

2565-512: The team were also tasked with carrying out scientific research including seismic soundings and gravimetric readings. In parallel, Hillary's team had set up Scott Base —which was to be Fuchs' final destination—on the opposite side of the continent at McMurdo Sound on the Ross Sea . Using three converted Ferguson TE20 tractors and one Weasel, abandoned part-way, Hillary and his three men—Ron Balham, Peter Mulgrew and Ellis Williams, great uncle of

2622-416: The transition of LC-130 operations from the United States Navy to the Air National Guard. 80°18′S 155°30′E  /  80.3°S 155.5°E  / -80.3; 155.5 . A peak 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) southeast of Vantage Hill. Named after Master Sergeant Garry(sp?) A. Beale who served as the 109 Airlift Wing Logistics Planner during the transition of LC-130 operations from

2679-411: The unfinished hut itself was full of snow. The bay ice had broken off taking all the remaining stores with it. Much food and fuel, a couple of huts and a tractor had all gone to sea. The men tried to retrieve the crates by tunnelling under the snow; the tunnels proved to be useful kennels for the dogs protecting them from the unexpectedly severe winter conditions at Shackleton. The party of eight survived

2736-572: The unit was re-designated as the 109th Airlift Group. On 1 October 1995, in accordance with the Air Force "One Base - One Wing" policy, the 109th Airlift Wing was established and the 139th Airlift Squadron was assigned to the new 109th Operations Group. In September 1994, elements of the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron deployed to Rwanda as part of Operation Support Hope . In mid-1996, the Air Force, in response to budget cuts, and changing world situations, began experimenting with Air Expeditionary organizations. The Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) concept

2793-465: The wall and roof panels around the building site. Then a blizzard began, and lasted for more than a week. The temperature dropped to −20 °C (−4 °F) and the drift around the base made it impossible to do any work outside. The men sheltered in their crate and slept in their tents which were constantly in danger of getting buried by the drift. When finally the wind subsided the giant crates of wall panels had all disappeared under many feet of drift and

2850-485: The west part of Britannia Range. The group lies midway between Haven Mountain and Vantage Hill and extends east–west for 7.5 nautical miles (13.9 km; 8.6 mi). The nunataks rise to over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft); local relief is on the order of 200 metres (660 ft). Named after Jerry W. Marty, involved in Antarctica from 1969, first as a construction manager for the South Pole Station characterized by

2907-403: The winter with some difficulty, but in reasonably good health, and finally completed the building of the hut except for one hole in the roof, the panel for which was never found. While the hut was being constructed they lived by day in the tractor crate and slept in their tents, two men to each tent. The winter temperatures often fell well below −30 °C (−22 °F), and Shackleton proved to be

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2964-504: Was a Commonwealth -sponsored expedition that successfully completed the first overland crossing of Antarctica , via the South Pole . It was the first expedition to reach the South Pole overland for 46 years, preceded only by Amundsen's expedition and Scott's expedition in 1911 and 1912. In keeping with the tradition of polar expeditions of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration ,

3021-413: Was assigned the 139th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron as operational unit, equipped with F-94B Starfires . A major change to the 107th Air Defense Wing in 1958 was the transition from an Air Defense Command (ADC) mission to Tactical Air Command (TAC) and a tactical fighter mission, the 109th being re-designated as a Tactical Fighter Group and the 139th also being re-designated. The new assignment involved

3078-474: Was developed that would mix Active Duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard elements into a combined force. Instead of entire permanent units deploying as "Provisional" as in the 1991 Gulf War, Expeditionary units are composed of "aviation packages" from several wings, including active duty Air Force, the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard, would be married together to carry out

3135-557: Was equipped with C-97 Stratofreighter intercontinental transports, with an Aeromedical Flight as a secondary mission. With the C-97s, the 109d augmented MATS airlift capability worldwide in support of the Air Force's needs in Europe. During the 1961 Berlin Crisis , the 139th ATS was federalized on 1 October 1961. From Schenectady, the 139th ATS augmented MATS airlift capability worldwide in support of

3192-773: Was not enacted. An effective lobby against the move was carried out by the Schenectady Military Affairs Council. The 139th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron deployed to Afghanistan in June 2007, marking the first time since Vietnam that aircraft from the unit flew their own aircraft in a combat theater of operations. During the 2011–2012 season, crews flying six LC-130H Ski-Herc transports carried out 359 missions between McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and eighteen inland Antarctic destinations, transporting more than seven million pounds of cargo and fuel and more than 1,600 passengers. The LC-130H crews were also called on to provide aerial reconnaissance and communication links to

3249-452: Was provided by U.S. personnel who were working in Antarctica at that time. Both parties also took dog teams which were used for fieldwork trips and backup in case of failure of the mechanical transportation, though the dogs were not taken all the way to the Pole. In December 1957 four men from the expedition flew one of the planes—a de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter —on an 11-hour, 1,430-mile (2,300 km), non-stop trans-polar flight across

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