Decade of extreme logistics
MCMURDO STATION, ANTARCTICA - Aircrew from the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., operating from the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Christchurch, New Zealand, mark the 10th anniversary Oct. 15 of the C-17 Globemaster's first Operation Deep Freeze flight in 1999. The Oct. 15 flight this year carried four passengers and 95,000 pounds of cargo. The mission supported by a crew of 10 was led by Lt. Col. Robert Wellington and Capt. Benjamin Caricofe from the 62nd AW, and Senior Master Sergeant John Vujovich, a reservist with the 446th Airlift Wing. So far this season, the C-17 and its crews have transported 953,057 pounds of cargo and 1,192 passengers. At the current pace, it is projected this season will see a 25 percent increase of cargo and passenger airlift, making this the busiest season ever, according to Colonel Wellington, 304th EAS commander.