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Williams Field

Williams Field is a sea ice skiway and airfield operated by the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), located on the Ross Ice Shelf approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) southeast of McMurdo Station on Ross Island, Antarctica.^[1]^[2] It features two parallel runways—each about 3,048 meters (10,000 feet) long and 67 meters (220 feet) wide—constructed annually on compacted snow overlying ice, and serves as the primary hub for ski-equipped aircraft operations during the austral summer season from late November to late February.^[2]^[1] The facility supports the transport of personnel, cargo, and scientific equipment to remote Antarctic sites, accommodating aircraft such as the LC-130 Hercules, which can land on unprepared snow and ice surfaces.^[1] Established in the late 1950s as part of Operation Deep Freeze to support U.S. scientific research during the International Geophysical Year (1957–1958), Williams Field was named in honor of U.S. Navy Seabee Richard T. Williams, an equipment operator who drowned on January 6, 1956, when his D-8 tractor broke through the ice near the site during preparations for the mission.^[3]^[1] The runways require extensive annual maintenance—approximately 17,000 hours of labor—and are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration before each season, as the sea ice structure cannot persist through the harsh Antarctic winter.^[1] While primarily used for intra-continental flights, the airfield has played a critical role in resupply efforts, emergency evacuations, and scientific logistics, contributing to Antarctica's status as a hub for polar research under the Antarctic Treaty System.^[1]^[2]

Location and Environment

Geographical Position

Williams Field is situated on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, at coordinates 77°52′03″S 167°03′24″E, with an elevation of 68 feet (21 meters) above mean sea level.^[4]^[5] This location places it approximately 7 nautical miles (13 kilometers) southeast of McMurdo Station, along the edge of McMurdo Sound, where the ice shelf meets the open water influenced by the sound's seasonal sea ice dynamics.^[6] The airfield serves as a critical logistical hub for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), acting as the primary entry point for ski-equipped aircraft transporting personnel and supplies to interior sites, including the South Pole Station.^[1] Its position on the stable, floating Ross Ice Shelf facilitates heavy cargo operations during the austral summer, supporting scientific expeditions across the continent.^[6] Geologically, Williams Field rests on a foundation of approximately 8 meters of compacted snow overlying about 80 meters of ice, which floats atop roughly 550 meters of seawater beneath the shelf.^[2] This structure underscores the site's vulnerability to ice shelf dynamics while providing a suitable surface for specialized aviation in one of Earth's most remote environments.^[1]

Terrain and Climate

Williams Field is situated on the Ross Ice Shelf, featuring a predominantly flat terrain composed of compacted snow overlying glacial ice. The runway surface consists of approximately 8 meters of snow-packed material atop 80 meters of floating ice, which rests over about 550 meters of seawater, making the area susceptible to subtle movements driven by underlying ocean currents at rates of 70–85 meters per year westward.^[2]^[7] This ice shelf environment is prone to crevasses, though they are relatively rare and typically occur in pressure zones; these features measure 1–2 meters wide and 9–15 meters deep, often bridged by 0.3–0.6 meters of drifted snow that requires careful monitoring to ensure safe traversal.^[7] The climate at Williams Field is classified as an ice cap regime, characterized by extreme cold year-round, with the austral summer (November–February) seeing average temperatures ranging from -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F) during the day and lows around -12°C (10°F), though broader ranges can extend to -28°C (-18°F) on colder days.^[8] In contrast, winter months (March–October) bring temperatures that can drop below -50°C (-58°F) during extremes, with average lows around -29°C (-20°F), accompanied by continuous polar darkness that renders the site uninhabitable for operations.^[9] Prevailing winds average 12 knots (6 m/s) but are dominated by katabatic flows descending from the Transantarctic Mountains, which can gust to 100 knots (51 m/s) or more, generating whiteout conditions through intense blowing snow and reducing visibility to near zero.^[9] These environmental challenges significantly impact accessibility and maintenance at Williams Field. Katabatic winds and associated blowing snow necessitate constant runway grooming to manage annual snow accumulation, which averages 0.3–1.3 inches per month even in summer, preventing drifts that could compromise aircraft operations.^[8] Additionally, risks from sea ice breakup around the ice shelf periphery and potential calving events—triggered when ice thickness approaches 27–30 meters—further limit activities to the austral summer period, as winter conditions of profound cold and 24-hour darkness halt all aviation and ground transport.^[7]^[9]

History

Establishment and Naming

Williams Field was established in 1956 as a key component of Operation Deep Freeze I, a U.S. Navy-led initiative to support the International Geophysical Year (IGY) by constructing permanent bases and facilitating logistics for scientific research across Antarctica.^[10] The airfield, located on the sea ice of McMurdo Sound approximately 3 miles southeast of McMurdo Station, was developed to enable reliable heavy aircraft operations in the harsh polar environment, addressing the limitations of prior temporary setups.^[11] Construction began in late 1955 under Task Force 43, commanded by Rear Admiral George J. Dufek, with Seabees from Mobile Construction Battalion (Special) performing the groundwork amid extreme conditions.^[10] The site's primary purpose was to provide a dedicated ski-equipped runway for transport aircraft, such as the Douglas R4D and later C-124 Globemasters, thereby replacing improvised landing areas on pack ice or near McMurdo that had proven inadequate for sustained operations.^[12] Initial infrastructure focused on basic functionality: Seabees used D-8 Caterpillar tractors to compact approximately 8 meters of snow atop 2-3 meters of bay ice, creating a 10,000-foot runway capable of supporting four-engine planes by early 1956.^[10] Fuel logistics were established through the YOG-70 harbor tanker, which was frozen into the ice to serve as an offshore storage facility, enabling the first successful heavy aircraft landings and marking a shift toward more organized aerial support for inland bases.^[10] The airfield was named Williams Field in honor of Construction Driver Third Class Richard T. Williams, a U.S. Navy Seabee who perished on January 6, 1956, during the initial construction phase.^[3] Williams, aged 23, was operating a D-8 tractor to clear ice when it broke through a weakened section near Hut Point, sinking into McMurdo Sound; his body was never recovered.^[13] The naming decision, approved by Admiral Dufek, commemorated Williams as the first American fatality in support of Antarctic operations, with a dedication ceremony held shortly thereafter.^[10]

Relocations and Key Developments

Williams Field has undergone four major relocations since its establishment, necessitated by the seaward movement and calving of the McMurdo Ice Shelf, which creates pressure ridges, crevasses, and unstable terrain.^[7]^[14] The first relocation occurred in 1962 to Williams Field II, shifted approximately 5 miles from the original site due to ice cracks. A second move took place in 1965–1966, approximately three miles south of Pram Point to Williams Field III, addressing snow berms and further ice instability; this period also saw the construction of the nearby Outer Williams Field, which was closed in 1970–1971. The third relocation happened in 1975–1977 to Williams Field IV, moved 5,000 feet inland from the ice shelf edge. The final relocation occurred during the 1983–1984 season, establishing the current Williams Field V position about three miles from the prior location to mitigate risks from calving and shelf advance.^[14] Key developments at Williams Field reflect adaptations to enhance operational reliability and support expanded Antarctic logistics. Initial facilities relied on tents, with transitions to basic insulated structures in the late 1950s to support maintenance personnel.^[14] The runway was expanded to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) by 1966 during Deep Freeze 66 operations, incorporating strobe lights, black fabric panels, and an optical landing system to accommodate larger aircraft like the C-141 Starlifter.^[14] In the 1970s, fuel infrastructure was improved with depots and bladder systems, reducing reliance on trucked supplies and enhancing efficiency for operations including C-141 and C-5 aircraft. Management transitioned to the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) under the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1971, following an executive order that shifted responsibility from the U.S. Navy, prioritizing scientific objectives while maintaining logistical support.^[15] Notable milestones include the closure of the Willy Field Tavern in 1994, a recreational bar at the airfield, prompted by the condemnation of aging housing modules due to structural deterioration and evolving safety policies, alongside new dorms at McMurdo Station.^[5] In recent years, Williams Field continues to facilitate scientific endeavors; for the 2025–2026 season, the Southern Ocean Carbon Gas Observatory (SCARGO) project operates from a Rac-Tent at the site, monitoring carbon fluxes in support of climate research.^[16] These evolutions have ensured the airfield's role in seasonal operations, though detailed impacts on flight scheduling are addressed elsewhere.

Operations and Logistics

Seasonal Operations

Williams Field operates on a seasonal basis aligned with the austral summer, typically from mid-October to late February, with preparations commencing in early October to capitalize on milder temperatures and continuous 24-hour daylight that facilitate extended flight operations. This schedule, extending earlier than the peak late-November period noted in general overviews, ensures optimal conditions for ski-equipped aircraft, as the sea ice runway becomes increasingly unstable outside this window due to warming and potential breakup. The airfield serves as a critical logistics node for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), enabling the transport of essential supplies and researchers to remote sites across the continent.^[6] Preparation for the season involves meticulous snow runway grooming with specialized vehicles, including groomers equipped with chains and drag systems to compact the 8-meter-thick snow layer overlying the ice shelf. Concurrently, teams conduct ice integrity assessments, such as crevasse detection surveys using ground-penetrating radar and visual inspections, to identify and mitigate hazards like hidden fissures that could compromise runway safety. These efforts, overseen by the NSF prime contractor, establish the main and crosswind skiways—each measuring 220 feet wide by 10,000 feet long—along with necessary markings, lighting, and navigational aids like TACAN and RNAV approaches.^[6]^[17] During peak operations from November to February, Williams Field handles approximately 80 flights per season via ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft, primarily supporting cargo and personnel movements to deep-field locations such as South Pole Station. For example, in the 2024-25 season, 79 missions were completed.^[18] These missions transport hundreds of scientists and support staff, along with up to 42,000 pounds of cargo per flight, contributing to the USAP's annual facilitation of over 3,000 participants and millions of pounds of supplies across Antarctic operations. Fuel requirements are substantial, with each LC-130 sortie demanding precise coordination for offloading and storage to sustain these high-volume logistics.^[19]^[20] Shutdown begins in late February as sea ice deteriorates, with full demobilization completed by early March; non-essential equipment is relocated to McMurdo Station for secure storage during the harsh winter months. The site then enters a monitoring phase, relying on remote sensors and periodic satellite observations to track ice shelf dynamics and structural changes, ensuring readiness for the next season while minimizing environmental impact.^[6]^[1]

Fuel and Supply Systems

The fuel supply at Williams Field is primarily managed through a flexible pipeline extending approximately 16 km (10 mi) from McMurdo Station across the Ross Ice Shelf, enabling the delivery of AN-8 aviation fuel—a JP-8 variant with anti-icing additives suited for extreme cold conditions—to support ski-equipped aircraft operations.^[21] The pipeline, deployed seasonally each austral summer, requires installation by a team of personnel over several weeks and is removed before winter to mitigate environmental risks from ice movement; it facilitates efficient transfer without reliance on over-ice transport, reducing logistical strain during peak operations.^[22] Fuel storage at Williams Field consists of up to 12 above-ground tanks designed for aviation fuel containment on the ice shelf, each with a capacity of 20,000 gallons for a total of 240,000 gallons to support LC-130 Hercules flights and related activities.^[23]^[2] These tanks incorporate spill containment berms and monitoring systems to detect leaks and prevent environmental release into the surrounding ice, in compliance with Antarctic Treaty protocols for pollution prevention; residual fuel is typically retained at season's end for winter-over contingencies and early-season needs.^[6] The broader supply chain begins with annual shipments of approximately 6 million gallons of fuel via ice-strengthened tankers from ports like Port Hueneme, California, to McMurdo Station, where it is offloaded and pumped through the pipeline to Williams Field as demand requires—typically aligning with seasonal flight peaks that emphasize resupply for deep-field science and South Pole traverses.^[24] In addition to fuel, the logistics infrastructure handles cargo such as scientific equipment, food provisions, and construction materials via C-130 aircraft, with inter-airfield coordination ensuring seamless transfers to wheeled operations at nearby Phoenix Airfield when skiways are unsuitable.^[25] Backup resupply options, including airdrops, are available for emergencies to maintain operational continuity amid variable ice conditions.^[24]

Facilities and Infrastructure

Willy Town

Willy Town serves as the primary living and working quarters for personnel at Williams Field, consisting of a cluster of more than 20 containerized buildings that provide essential support during the austral summer season. These facilities house personnel at peak operations, including berthing units for sleeping accommodations, a galley for meal preparation and dining, and designated recreation areas to foster community among staff. The setup is designed for efficiency in the harsh Antarctic environment, with buildings positioned in close proximity to the runways to minimize transit times for operational teams.^[22]^[26] Daily life in Willy Town revolves around structured shift rotations, typically involving 12-hour schedules for runway grooming crews, aircraft mechanics, and fuel handling personnel to ensure continuous airfield readiness. Workers manage demanding tasks such as snow compaction and equipment maintenance, with morale bolstered through access to email communications for connecting with family and limited recreational activities like games or reading in communal spaces. The former Willy Field Tavern, once a popular spot for relaxation and social gatherings, was closed in 1994 due to structural concerns with the housing and has since been repurposed for storage.^[27]^[26] Over time, Willy Town has evolved through infrastructure improvements to better withstand extreme cold, including consolidation efforts in the 2010s that optimized building layouts for enhanced energy efficiency and reduced footprint while maintaining operational capacity. Power for the facilities is supplied by on-site diesel generators, supplemented by connections to the broader McMurdo Station grid to ensure reliability during high-demand periods. These upgrades reflect ongoing commitments to sustainability and habitability in remote Antarctic logistics.^[22]

Runway and Support Facilities

Williams Field features two parallel snow runways designed exclusively for ski-equipped aircraft, oriented as 07/25 and 15/33, each measuring 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in length and 220 feet (67 meters) in width.^[28] These runways are constructed on compacted snow overlying the Ross Ice Shelf, with the surface groomed to provide a firm, level landing area suitable for heavy ski-landing gear operations during the austral summer season.^[28] Maintenance of the runways involves regular grooming by the National Science Foundation's prime contractor, utilizing graders, chain drags, and rollers to compact the snow surface and eliminate snowdrifts, windrows, and ruts that could compromise safety.^[28] This process occurs frequently, often daily during peak operations, to ensure optimal conditions amid the dynamic Antarctic environment, where the underlying ice shelf shifts eastward at approximately one foot per day, occasionally necessitating runway relocation.^[28] For navigation in low-visibility conditions common to the region, the runways are marked with flags and reflective markers placed at intervals to delineate edges and thresholds, aiding pilots in maintaining orientation without reliance on electronic aids alone.^[6] Support facilities at Williams Field include weather observation stations that monitor local conditions to inform flight decisions, and a control tower that coordinates operations and communicates directly with McMurdo Station's air traffic control.^[4]^[6] The airfield is equipped with a two-box LED approach path indicator (APAPI) system in visibility mode to guide landings during twilight periods, though full runway edge lighting is absent due to the challenges of installing permanent infrastructure on moving ice.^[6] Key upgrades to the airfield's infrastructure include the integration of GPS-based navigation aids in the mid-1990s, which enhanced precision during polar flights by providing reliable positioning in areas where magnetic compasses are unreliable.^[14] Annual resurfacing and grooming efforts sustain the runways to support hundreds of landings each season, ensuring continued viability for logistical missions.^[28]

Aviation Operations

Runway Specifications

Williams Field features two parallel skiways designed exclusively for ski-equipped aircraft, constructed on a compacted snow surface approximately 8 meters thick overlying the Ross Ice Shelf's ice layer, which is about 80 meters deep and floats over approximately 550 meters of seawater.^[2] The surface consists of groomed, compacted snow maintained through grading, rolling, and chaining to ensure smoothness and structural integrity, with no paved or hardened sections; all operations rely on low ground pressure skis to distribute loads without damaging the snowpack.^[28] This design supports heavy ski-equipped transports, with a load-bearing capacity up to 150,000 pounds, determined seasonally based on snow and ice conditions using Air Force Engineering Technical Letter (ETL) 06-7 graphs that account for factors like temperature, density, and ice shelf stability.^[28]^[29] The primary skiway, designated 07/25 (or 25/07G), measures 10,000 feet in length by 220 feet in width and is oriented to align with prevailing winds on the ice shelf, facilitating safer takeoffs and landings in the region's variable katabatic flows.^[28]^[2] An alternate crosswind skiway, 15/33, provides the same dimensions and serves as a backup for operations when wind conditions shift, ensuring redundancy in this remote environment.^[30] Navigation support includes a TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) approach system, providing precision guidance equivalent to an Instrument Landing System (ILS) through ground-based radar, though pilots must contend with whiteout conditions and limited visual references inherent to snow surfaces.^[28] Operational limitations stem primarily from the dynamic nature of the ice shelf and seasonal snow variations, including weight restrictions during periods of soft or uncompacted snow that reduce bearing strength and risk deformation under heavy loads.^[29] The skiways are susceptible to closures due to surface melting during warmer summer months (December to February), crevasse formation, or cracks from ice shelf movement, which can necessitate annual relocations of up to several kilometers to maintain safety.^[28] Additionally, maneuvers such as 180-degree turns are prohibited except at skiway ends to avoid surface rutting, and all activities are confined to ski-equipped aircraft to preserve the snow integrity.^[30] The facilities adhere to Air Force standards outlined in AFI 13-217, Chapter 4, for LC-130 skiway criteria, which serve as the equivalent to FAA guidelines for Antarctic operations, emphasizing load distribution, surface preparation, and environmental constraints.^[25] Annual inspections and certifications are conducted by U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) engineers in coordination with Air Force Mobility Command (AMC/A3), involving strength testing with tools like the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer and snow penetrometers, temperature monitoring at multiple depths, and proof rolling to verify usability before the operational season.^[29] These protocols ensure the skiways meet rigorous safety thresholds for intrcontinental cargo and personnel transport in extreme polar conditions.^[28]

Aircraft Usage

Williams Field primarily accommodates ski-equipped aircraft designed for operations on compacted snow and ice runways, with the Lockheed LC-130 Hercules serving as the dominant type in contemporary operations. Operated by the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing under the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), these ski-modified variants of the C-130J Super Hercules transport personnel, cargo, and fuel to remote research sites across Antarctica. Each LC-130 can carry up to 42,000 pounds of payload, enabling efficient support for scientific missions without reliance on commercial passenger services; all flights are dedicated to USAP and allied government operations.^[1]^[31] Historically, Williams Field marked several aviation milestones beginning in the mid-20th century. The first significant landing occurred on October 21, 1956, when a U.S. Air Force Douglas C-124 Globemaster II, nicknamed "Miss North Caroline," touched down after a 12.5-hour flight, initiating heavy-lift cargo capabilities for Operation Deep Freeze. This was followed in 1957 by the inaugural commercial aircraft arrival: a Pan American World Airways Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, Clipper America, which landed on October 15 carrying 37 passengers and cargo, demonstrating the feasibility of large civilian transports in polar conditions. Jet operations commenced in 1966 with the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, the first jet aircraft to land at the field on November 14, offloading 12.5 tons of cargo and advancing faster resupply logistics.^[14]^[32]^[33] Seasonal operations at Williams Field typically involve 100 to 120 flights by LC-130s during the austral summer, with on-site refueling facilities supporting extended intra-continental missions to sites like the South Pole. Into 2025, LC-130 dominance persists, as evidenced by the 109th Airlift Wing's completion of 79 missions in the 2024-25 season, transporting essential supplies for ongoing research. Occasionally, Basler BT-67 aircraft—turboprop conversions of the Douglas DC-3—supplement these efforts for specialized science surveys, carrying up to 5,000 pounds of cargo or 20 passengers on shorter routes. These operations underscore Williams Field's role in sustaining polar science without broader commercial access.^[31]^[1]

Safety and Incidents

Historical Accidents

On November 28, 1956, a U.S. Air Force Douglas C-124C Globemaster II (serial 52-1015) experienced a nose gear failure during landing at Williams Field, McMurdo Station, Antarctica, resulting in the aircraft coming to a halt on its nose.^[34] All 17 occupants survived unharmed, and while the plane was initially considered damaged beyond repair, its parts were salvaged to repair other Globemasters and the remainder served as a storage shed.^[34] On September 13, 1957, a U.S. Navy Douglas R4D-6L (a DC-3 variant, serial 17274) crashed shortly after takeoff from Williams Field due to water freezing in the fuel lines, causing engine failure.^[35] The four crew members escaped without injury, but the aircraft was destroyed and written off.^[35] During approach to Williams Field on October 8, 1970, the U.S. Navy Lockheed C-121J Super Constellation nicknamed "Pegasus" (serial 131644) struck a snowbank in zero-visibility conditions and blowing snow, leading to the separation of the right main landing gear and the right wing breaking off as the plane slid to a stop.^[36] All 80 people on board, including passengers and crew, survived, though some crew members sustained minor injuries; the aircraft was destroyed beyond repair.^[36] On February 15, 1971, a U.S. Navy Lockheed LC-130F Hercules (serial 148318) was damaged beyond repair while taxiing on the skiway at Williams Field during Operation Deep Freeze 71, when poor visibility caused it to veer over a 5.5-foot snowbank, breaking the right wing and igniting a fire.^[37] The six crew members on board were uninjured, and the aircraft was written off.^[37] Throughout these incidents at Williams Field since its establishment, no fatalities have been recorded among the involved personnel. Common contributing factors included adverse weather phenomena such as whiteout conditions, blowing snow, and soft or uneven snow surfaces, which challenged navigation and aircraft handling in the extreme Antarctic environment.^[34]^[35]^[36]^[37]

Safety Measures and Protocols

Safety measures and protocols at Williams Field are integral to the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), emphasizing risk mitigation in extreme conditions through standardized procedures and technologies tailored to ice runway operations. Mandatory pre-flight weather briefings are conducted five hours prior to estimated departure time, enabling go/no-go decisions based on forecasts from the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) and terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) issued every eight hours.^[25] Crevasse detection relies on surveys using airborne radar and ground-penetrating radar in the McMurdo Sound area to identify hazards beneath the ice surface, ensuring runway safety before the operational season.^[38] Emergency evacuation protocols include immediate notification to Mac Center via VHF radio upon any distress, with field teams required to perform the USAP six-step risk assessment prior to operations.^[39] Technological aids enhance operational safety amid low visibility and unstable ice. Real-time ice monitoring utilizes seismic sensors deployed on the Ross Ice Shelf near Williams Field to track subsurface melting and structural integrity through diurnal seismicity patterns.^[40] Enhanced visibility is supported by a two-box LED approach path indicator (APAPI) system in visibility mode and flag lines to delineate paths during whiteout conditions.^[25] Pilots undergo specialized training for Antarctic conditions, including instrument flight rules (IFR) certification for helicopters and pre-deployment briefings on ice runway procedures, such as skiway preparation with bamboo poles and markers.^[25] Automated flight following (AFF) tracks aircraft positions via satellite every two minutes, complemented by half-hourly weather observations from Kestrel meters.^[41] Emergency response systems prioritize rapid intervention, with McMurdo Station's medical facility providing on-call support through dispatched ambulances to Williams Field for immediate care.^[25] Rescue helicopters, operated under USAP guidelines, facilitate search and rescue (SAR) coordination via the Joint SAR Team (JSART) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC), activated for late check-ins or distress signals.^[39] Fire and crash response teams from McMurdo integrate with airfield operations, ensuring unified handling of incidents per interagency protocols.^[25] Post-1970s enhancements have strengthened these frameworks, including stricter allowable cargo load (ACL) limits calculated for sea ice thickness to prevent structural failure and the installation of automated weather stations for continuous data dissemination.^[41] These USAP-wide guidelines, refined from lessons in historical aviation incidents, underscore a commitment to proactive hazard management.^[42]

References

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USAP in the Sky - Office of Polar Programs (GEO/OPP) - NSF
Williams Field is a sea-ice skiway first commissioned in the late 1950s. Phoenix Airfield is a wheeled runway built in 2017, replacing the older Pegasus ...
[2]
Williams Field | SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Williams Field is a snow runway located on approximately 8 meters of compacted snow, lying on top of 80 meters of ice, floating over 550 meters of water.
[3]
Williams Field Antartica - Navy Seabee Foundation
Williams Field or Willy Field is a United States Antarctic Program airfield in Antarctica. Williams Field is named in honor of Seabee Richard T. Williams.
[4]
Infrastructure: Southern Ocean - ODIN - OE Data Integration Network
Jul 14, 2025 · Airstrips in Antarctica fall into two main types: skiways, which are compacted snow ... Williams Field (aka Willy Field). Location: 77°52′03 ...
[5]
Mcmurdo Station Airport (Williams Field / Willy Field) - Airport directory
Elevation AMSL, 68 ft / 21 m. Runways. Direction, Length, Surface. ft, m. 07 ... Source: DAFIF. williams field - Location of airfield in Antarctica. By Alexrk2 ...Missing: geographical | Show results with:geographical
[6]
None
Summary of each segment:
[7]
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The probable critical thickness beyond which the ice shelf does not calve varies between 90 to 100 fee!: west of Williams Field to 50 or 60 feet near Pram Point ...Missing: foundation depth
[8]
Williams Field Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature ...
At Williams Field, the summers are short and freezing; the winters are long, frigid, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round.
[9]
[PDF] United States Antarctic Program Participant Guide
The average wind speed is 12 knots, but winds have exceeded 100 knots. ... Williams Field Skiway, located about 15 km (9 mi) from McMurdo is for ski ...
[10]
[PDF] History of the United States Military Participation in Operation Deep ...
Base. Chaplin Lieutenant Condit requested naming the airfield after Richard T. Williams the. Seabee who had died. Dufek agreed and sent a message to the Navy ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[11]
[PDF] CHAPTER 1: The United States in Antarctica - U.S. Antarctic Program
Sep 30, 2011 · Williams Field Skiway, located about 15 km (9 mi) from McMurdo is for ski-equipped aircraft only. McMurdo also has a heliport to support ...
[12]
Antarctica: Operation Deep Freeze I: 1955-56
May 24, 2019 · Operation Deep Freeze I, led by Admiral Byrd and Commander Dufek, received national attention, and included artists, various ships, and groups ...
[13]
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Richard T. Williams ... Seabee Construction Driver third class, USN, died on 6 January 1956 when the D-8 bulldozer he was driving broke through the ice and sank.
[14]
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Oct 4, 2017 · Operation Deep Freeze was a US Air Force airlift mission in Antarctica from 1956-2006, transporting supplies and personnel, and is a unique ...
[15]
A history of U.S. Antarctic program contracting
... 1971--an executive order effective 1 July of that year shifted the Antarctic program responsibility and funding management from the Navy to NSF. ... take over ...
[16]
2025-2026 Science Planning Summary - U.S. Antarctic Program
At McMurdo, SCARGO will operate out of a Rac-Tent at Williams Field. Deploying Team Members. Hannah Allen; Zoë Buxton; Mack Goodstein. Charles Martin; Britton ...
[17]
[PDF] crrel report 93-14 - ROSA P
Grooming chains used at South Pole Station and Williams Field ... Transient. Parking. Field Elevation 0 ft m.s.l.. Pattern Altitude 1000 ft m.s.l.. Figure 111 ...
[18]
109th Airlift Wing concludes 2024-25 Antarctic Science Support ...
Mar 18, 2025 · The 109th AW executed 79 missions using its ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules, transporting personnel, cargo and fuel to key research sites across the continent.
[19]
https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/OPP-USAP-InTheSky-May2024.pdf
[20]
[PDF] usap-participant-guide-2024.pdf - U.S. Antarctic Program
The NSFREP is NSF's principal representative for implementing planned field operations, and the position coordinates and establishes on-site priorities for USAP ...
[21]
(PDF) Planning and Hazards of Spill Response in Antarctica
... storage capacity of over 11 million gallons. A ... tanks. having an aggregate capacity of over 70,000 ... gallons of MoGas. Williams Field. Williams Field ...
[22]
[PDF] Design and Implementation of a Consolidated Airfield at McMurdo ...
Sep 22, 2014 · Williams Field (about 10 miles from Pegasus). The lines are least ... in the 12 tanks for the skiway and approx. 16,000 gal. in the ...
[23]
Loss of research and operational equipment in Antarctica
Dec 15, 2023 · SANAE I, II, and III stations were occupied by South Africa from 1962, 1971 and 1979, respectively, with abandoned stations replaced by a new ...
[24]
[PDF] More and Better Science in Antarctica
Jul 23, 2012 · at Williams Field, near McMurdo Station. Source: Robyn Waserman. more permanent infrastructure such as com- pacted roads for improved ...
[25]
[PDF] USAP Interagency Air Operations Manual - U.S. Antarctic Program
Oct 1, 2023 · 2.1 Mac Center coordinates with Auckland Center for flights between Antarctica ... Williams Field, Phoenix Field and South Pole Station. 2.13.1.1 ...
[26]
Reflections from time on 'the Ice' - NBC News
Nov 30, 2006 · Williams Field is the busiest on the continent, as it services the South Pole and construction there. Instead of terminals it has “Willy Town ...
[27]
McMurdo Nightlife
The Willy Field tavern was closed down in 1994 when the housing at Willy was condemned. Of course, the following season due to a housing shortage the ...
[28]
[PDF] USAP.gov US Antarctic Program Inter-agency Air Operations Manual
Aug 1, 2012 · Mac Center coordinates with Auckland Center for flights between Antarctica ... SKIWAYS: Williams Field and South Pole skiways and associated ramp ...
[29]
[PDF] FC 3-260-06F Air Force Design, Construction, Maintenance, and ...
Jun 1, 2015 · These criteria update guidance on thickness of snow topping on glacial ice runways and clarifies marking and lighting requirements. Impact: • ...
[30]
[PDF] US Antarctic Program Interagency Air Operations Manual
Sep 16, 2016 · SKIWAYS: Williams Field and South Pole skiways and associated ramp and ... compacted snow pavement, and up to one-inch depth of loose snow ...
[31]
109th Airlift Wing concludes 2024-25 Antarctic Science Support ...
Mar 18, 2025 · The 109th AW executed 79 missions using its ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules, transporting personnel, cargo and fuel to key research sites across the continent.
[32]
15 October 1957 | This Day in Aviation
Oct 15, 2025 · The Pan American Clipper America landed today at McMurdo Sound, completing the first commercial aircraft flight to Antarctica.Missing: Field | Show results with:Field
[33]
[PDF] C-141 Tests Future of Jets in Antarctica Committee on Polar Research
The jet age came to Antarctica on November 14 when a U.S. Air Force C-141 Starlifter landed at. Williams Field, McMurdo Station, with 12.5 tons of cargo ...
[34]
Accident Douglas C-124C Globemaster II 52-1015, Wednesday 28 November 1956
### Accident Summary: Douglas C-124C Globemaster II 52-1015
[35]
Accident Douglas R4D-6L (DC-3) 17274, Friday 13 September 1957
**Accident Summary:**
[36]
Accident Lockheed C-121J Super Constellation 131644, Thursday 8 ...
On the second attempt to land the right main landing gear hit a snow bank and separated. Then the right wing broke off, with the airplane sliding through the ...
[37]
Accident Lockheed LC-130F Hercules 148318, Monday 15 February 1971
### Accident Details
[38]
[PDF] Subsurface Radar Investigations at the Pegasus Glacial-Ice Runway ...
During January 1994, extensive surveying was done in the McMurdo area to demonstrate crevasse detection by airborne radar (Delaney and Arcone. 1994). One of the ...
[39]
[PDF] United States Antarctic Program Field Manual
Within town limits or on established roadways, such as Phoenix Road or. Williams Field Road. Helicopter Survival Bags – Orange. Needed. When passengers ...
[40]
[PDF] Diurnal seismicity cycle linked to subsurface melting on an ice shelf
Our results suggest that seismic observation may prove useful in monitoring subsurface melting in a ... (Williams Field), ∼4 km distant. The wet station is ...
[41]
[PDF] Field Manual - U.S. Antarctic Program
The Field Prac- tices Manual provides pre-deployment, planning information that is useful during the Support Information Packet (SIP) process. Use of these ...
[42]
[PDF] AVIATION ACCIDENTS in ANTARCTICA -A review of
The take off and landing phase is commonly know as the highest risk phase when accidents happen. Also at remote sites of scientist field camps it is also not.