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The United States Air Force's 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (304th EAS) plays a crucial role in supporting scientific research in Antarctica through Operation Deep Freeze. This operation, which has been ongoing for 26 years, involves the transportation of equipment and personnel to the continent to aid the United States National Science Foundation.
Operation Deep Freeze is essential for facilitating groundbreaking scientific research across various fields such as astronomy, atmospheric sciences, biology, earth science, environmental science, geology, glaciology, marine biology, and oceanography. The US Antarctic Program supports these endeavors by providing necessary logistics and resources.
Phoenix Airfield serves as the main resupply hub for this mission. Unlike its predecessor Pegasus Airfield, Phoenix Airfield is built on compacted snow rather than glacial ice. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of the Antarctic summer. The airfield allows C-17s and C-130s from the 304th EAS to safely deliver passengers and cargo.
