Military Sealift Command Powers Up Support for Operation Deep Freeze 2025

The Military Sealift Command chartered vessel, MV Ocean Gladiator, recently executed a crucial cargo offload at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. This endeavor supports the annual resupply mission, Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2025.

Arriving on February 20, the Ocean Gladiator is the second MSC chartered ship participating in this mission. The crew, joined by Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE, commenced offloading 321 cargo units. These essential supplies include mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials like cement pilings, food, electronics, and comfort items, all vital for sustaining McMurdo Station’s operations for the year ahead.

Upon conclusion of the offload, Ocean Gladiator will embark on collecting 149 containers of retrograde cargo. This return journey will include discarded materials and obsolete equipment, as well as the 65-ton Modular Causeway System previously utilized in place of the ice-pier. Significantly, the ship will also transport ice core samples preserved in a sub-zero freezer, destined for scientific examination in the United States.

Marie Morrow, MSC’s ship liaison to the Joint Support Forces Antarctica, emphasized the logistical challenges of operating in Antarctica’s extreme conditions. Having participated in three ODF missions, Morrow noted the complexities of cargo handling near an ice-pier, where sub-zero temperatures and harsh winds prevail. A newcomer to such icy terrains, her initial assignment from San Diego to Antarctica proved unexpected.

“I thought, San Diego, Southern California, that is exactly what I’m looking for,” Morrow shared. “Then I got assigned to go to Antarctica. It wasn’t something I was looking for, or had even thought about to be honest, but, I really enjoy this mission. It is an experience that I share with only a very few people.”

The journey to McMurdo Station is both arduous and meticulously coordinated. Morrow’s travels began with flights from San Diego to San Francisco and New Zealand, followed by an eight-hour military transport flight. At McMurdo, she collaborates with multiple government agencies, including the National Science Foundation, forging cooperation for mission success.

“Nothing can happen without all of us working together. It is super cooperative and interoperative,” Morrow reflected.

Life on the ice involves communal living and teamwork, often compared to an adult summer camp for the bonds formed under challenging conditions. Weather remains a pivotal factor, as the Southern Ocean’s unforgiving nature can restrict port operations and offloading schedules.

“The weather is everything. The Southern Ocean is the most unforgiving and treacherous water way on Earth,” Morrow explained.

Despite weather challenges impacting cargo unloading, the ODF mission imparts a sense of fulfillment and pride in participants like Morrow, who cherishes her role in these unique operations. Following its Antarctic duty, Ocean Gladiator will voyage to Japan, then return to Port Hueneme, California, thereby completing its missions.

Operation Deep Freeze epitomizes a collaborative defense effort supporting civilian authorities, spearheaded by the National Science Foundation. Since 1955, MSC-chartered vessels have steadfastly undertaken the formidable Antarctic journey for this annual resupply mission.