To McMurdo In Winter

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31080, 8 June 1966, Page 16

To McMurdo In Winter

The big rescue effort mounted by the United States Navy last week-end was not without precedent. It was, nevertheless, a landmark in Antarctic flying and presaged a new development in Antarctic exploration. The immediate importance of the long flight from New York to McMurdo station and back was, of course, the relief that the Navy was able to bring swiftly to one of its men, regardless of expense and in the face of hazards. The knowledge that such an operation can be carried out so smoothly in the darkness of winter must be immensely reassuring to the men stationed at McMurdo. The preparation of the runway at McMurdo was itself a notable engineering achievement; and the part played by the Royal New Zealand Navy in providing a weather picket was an example of service co-operation for which the officers and crew of the Taranaki deserve full credit. The emergency provided an opportunity to prove experience and to test equipment before mid-winter flights become a routine feature of Antarctic operations by the United States. The plans to fly scientists from the United States to the Antarctic next winter will greatly extend the period during which important scientific programmes will be possible. Last weekend’s flight goes into the Antarctic record as much more than a demonstration of the capabilities of the men and machines involved. Its humanitarian purpose emphasised the heroic character of Antarctic endeavour, which is all too easily lost sight of in its growing familiarity.