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Highlights

Last Updated: May 8, 2008

A C-17 Globemaster of the U.S. Antarctic Program approaches the stranded Argos Georgia to drop essential repair parts.
A C-17 Globemaster of the U.S. Antarctic Program approaches the stranded Argos Georgia to drop essential repair parts.
USAF antarctic airdrop rescues stranded ship

Teamwork, flexibility, and airpower delivered critical repair parts to a stranded British fishing vessel, the Argos Georgia, and its 25-person crew Jan. 4. The vessel had lost all main power and been frozen in the ice flow off the Ross Ice Shelf since Christmas Eve (New Zealand time).

"Considering the unforgiving Antarctic climate, we recognized the potential for this to become a life or death situation. Quick action was needed and versatile airpower was the response," said Lt. Gen. Loyd S. "Chip" Uttterback, 13th Air Force and Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, Operation Deep Freeze commander … (more)

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    • News from the South Island

    Ambassador McCormick in the pilot's seat of one of the Antarctic Program's U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemasters.
    Ambassador McCormick in one of the Antarctic Program's USAF C-17 Globemasters.
    A Night on the Ice - 50 Years of Antarctic Cooperation - September 29

    In his speech at the Antarctic 50 Years Anniversary Dinner at the Air Force Museum at Wigram – A Night on the Ice - Ambassador William McCormick reflected on the strong historical ties between NZ and America, especially in the last 50 years of cooperation in Antarctic exploration.  He also shared some of his personal experiences in Antarctica in 2006, when he traveled there with Prime Minister Helen Clark, Mayor Garry Moore of Christchurch, and with "Sir Ed" … (more)

     Veterans Day in Antarctica
    Veterans Day in Antarctica.
    Veterans and Armistice Day Remembered in Antarctica - 11 November

    On Sunday Nov 11th 2007 at the 11th minute of the 11th hour, a joint formation of US and New Zealand servicemen stood shoulder to shoulder at Scott Base out of respect for the sacrifices of the souls lost in their nations' battles.  They looked silently on as both national flags were furled in memory of the wounded who honored those ensigns, and they saluted in unison the many who shouldered the burden of warfare on the battlefield and carried the scars of combat the rest of their lives.

    This was the second year that a combined American/New Zealand service was held in honor of Veterans Day.  Last year, the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), under the leadership of Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica (JTF SFA) hosted an event at McMurdo station that included participation by members of the New Zealand Antarctic Program (NZAP) from Scott Base.  This year, the ceremony was hosted by NZAP.  Not forgotten, the POW/MIA table was carefully set to dignify the many meanings of its prominence.   It was a time for reverence, a time for reflection, and a time for remembrance.

    Ambassador McCormick with a winemaker from the Nelson region

    Ambassador McCormick Keynotes Food and Beverage Export Industry Symposium - September 25

    On Tuesday, September 25th, Ambassador William P. McCormick delivered the keynote address at a Food and Beverage Industry symposium held in Nelson. Before an audience of New Zealand food and beverage exporters to North America, Ambassador McCormick talked about his own experiences in the restaurant industry in the U.S. He also reflected upon trends in the U.S. restaurant industry over the last 50 years, and lessons they hold for the future. Ambassador McCormick is the co-founder of McCormick and Schmick's restaurants in the United States.
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    • New Zealand


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