Five Aircraft To Open Antarctic Season

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32118, 14 October 1969, Page 7

Five Aircraft To Open Antarctic Season

The official rammer rapport season by the United States Navy in the Antarctic begins tonight with the departure from Christchurch of five aircraft carrying 225 sailors and a handful of scientists io the continent. The first of the aircraft will leave Christchurch at one minute past midnight On board will be the commander of the support force (Bear-Admiral D. F. Welch), the- superintendent of. ‘the Antarctie Division of the DS.LB. (Mr R. H Thomson), and Mr K- Moulton, the senior U3JULP. representative at McMurdo Station during the summer. The flight will be made by three Hercules and two Super Constellations. The remaining two Hercules will take off at 1 am. and 2 am. and the Constellations at 8 am. and 10 am. On board the 10 am. Constellation will be Dr D. MullerSehwane, who ..will be accompanied by his wife. She will assist him in research

t work he will cany out St the i penguin rookery at Cape i Crosier. i Dr MullerSchwane.and his ■ wife were due in Christchurch which was delayed by bad t weather. It is due here about i 550 am. today. . The five aircraft will also - carry some fresh provisions i and mail. . ~ Admiral Welch plans to rei turn to Christchurch on Frii day. Two of the Hercules , will remain at Williams Meid - for such inland flights as : might be necessary. Both Hal. i let Station and the small three-man Brockton weather ’ station will be opened on • Thursday. • - According to messages re- ’ eeived at the Navy base at i Christchurch airport the WilI Hams Field ski-way is prepared and ready for the ari ■ rival of flights. Last week ■ the - highest temperature at • McMurdo Station was Udeg >F. The lowest was minus i2Mn.r. . ,