Military aircraft have been flying scientific support missions to Antarctica for years, but the latest flight to the South Pole is the most unusual yet.
Air Force regular and reserve members flew to Hawaii and New Zealand, then on to Antarctica to parachute medical supplies to a physician at the National Science Foundation's Amundsen-Scott South Pole research facility. Aided by radio and Internet communications, the physician is treating a woman who found a lump in her breast. She is one of 41 persons, including 10 women, staffing the facility.
A C-141 Starlifter cargo jet flew this mission because it can be refueled in flight. The sun was last seen in Antarctica on March 21 and won't rise again until September 21. Because of the current darkness, 60 mph crosswinds, -80°F temperatures that freeze aircraft fuel and hydraulic fluid, and hazards for ground crews in trying to smooth landing . . . [Full Text of this Article]
