Work To Begin On Camp, Runways At McMurdo

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30826, 11 August 1965, Page 12

Work To Begin On Camp, Runways At McMurdo

This week, men and machines at McMurdo Sound will begin preparing two skiways, two ice runways and a complete camp to house United States Air Force men. Although air operations will not begin until October 1, final construction plans for the projects have been approved. Heavy equipment operators are ready to move into action with 40-ton bulldozers, snow planes, rollers and other specialised equipment to level the sastrugi that has accumulated during the winter. Between 25 to 30 insulated buildings will be erected—sleeping quarters, a galley and mess hall, and a passenger terminal—all at Williams Field. i Aircraft navigation?! aids and communications equip-

ment also will be Installed and tested. A 200,0(XLgallon fuel supply will be established and an estimated 15 miles of hose, connecting the field with the large fuel tanks at MeMurdo Station, will be laid. During the next two months an aircraft control tower, a crash crew house, a medical dispensary, cargo storage and handling spaces, and a recreation building will be built on the ice of McMurdo Sound. Working in temperatures which often drop to 70 de grees below freezing, sailors and Seabees will construct the two skiways for the United States Navy's ski-equipped Hercules, and the two compacted snow runways for wheeled aircraft. The low temperatures present many difficulties other than the danger of frostbite and discomfort Insulation on electrical wires crumbles when they are uncoiled unless heated first, heavy steel tracks of bulldozers often break, exhaust smoke from stoves and vehicles clings to the ice surface and reduces visibility. A bright spot for the 200 men at McMurdo Station has been the appearance at midday of the first twilight, breaking six months of Antartic darkness.