ANTARCTIC AIR SUPPORT

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28782, 31 December 1958, Page 8

ANTARCTIC AIR SUPPORT

Programme Nears Completion This season’s aerial support for the United States Antarctic expedition is scheduled to be completed by January 8, and Navy aircraft will then start making tlje return flights to New Zealand.

The Navy aircraft are at present supporting the three American traverses and the New Zealand party making a geological survey. The aircraft, both wheel and ski-equipped, have been making reconnaissance flights ahead of tractor and traverse parties to locate rough terrain and dangerous crevassed areas.

The last flights to the South Pole station for this season returned to McMurdo Sound yesterday. On board one of the aircraft was Rear-Admiral George J. Dufek’s successor, Rear-Admiral David M. Tyree. Admiral Tyree was flown to Little America on his return from the South Pole and, after a flight to Byrd Station, about 800 miles from McMurdo Sound, he will return to McMurdo Sound. A Navy Neptune will bring Admiral Tyree back to Christchurch on January 7, and the U.S.S. Brough will go on station between New Zealand and Antarctica a few hours before the flight.

The traverse party from Ellsworth Station, on the Weddell Sea, is scheduled to complete its Ellsworth to Byrd Station scientific traverse at Byrd Station on January 2, according to a message received in Christchurch yesterday. The party has been making a series of scientific studies, including seismographic soundings and glaciologicai studies.