The mighty C-17 has a pretty diverse mission set.

One of the coolest missions is supporting the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic research efforts. Every winter (Southern Hemisphere summer!) C-17 Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing ferry personnel and equipment between Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Very cool mission with outsize impact on the scientific and international communities these aircraft visit.

mcchord.af.mil

Antarctic Airlift: Christchurch gateway to Antarctica

Team McChord, through Operation Deep Freeze, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Antarctic airlift mission operates smoothly and efficiently. The 62d Airlift Wing and 446th Airlift Wing crews