Preliminary U.S. Expedition To Antarctica

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27502, 9 November 1954, Page 13

Preliminary U.S. Expedition To Antarctica

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, November 7. The United States Navy icebreaker, Atka, will sail from Boston on December 1 to visit Little America and gather- information for extensive Antarctic expeditions planned in 1957, officials reported today. The expedition, in charge of Commander Glen Jacobsen, will spend about two and a half months in Antarctic waters aboard the Atka, returning to Boston in April, 1955. The Atka’s mission has been reported as chiefly reconnaissance for more extensive scientific programmes during the international geophysical year in 1957.

Landing parties will ascertain the presence and condition of supplies left at Little America by earlier explorers, but no land bases will be established. Changes of ice conditions along the shore since the last expedition will also be observed. Three small helicopters will be taken aboard the AtKa, but the range of their operations will be confined to' areas visible from the ship. Other equipment will include two or three snowploughs for use at points of landing. Besides the ship’s complement, about 15 scientists will be aboard, including observers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Hydrographic Office, the Weather Bureau, and other scientific agencies. The scientists will make various observations, including studies of cosmic rays.

-Admiral Richard Byrd, the famed explorer of Little America, is advising the United States Defence Department on the Polar regions. There nas been no indication that he will accompany the Atka expedition.