Navy Set to Give Up Antarctic Squadron
The Navy’s Antarctic squadron will be decommissioned Saturday at Point Mugu Naval Air Station, after 44 years of supporting American researchers at the South Pole.
The squadron flew cargo, personnel and fuel throughout the continent for the National Science Foundation’s U.S. Antarctic program. They were also on call for search-and-rescue services.
In a cost-cutting move, the Navy is turning over its logistical support to the Air Force and the Air National Guard, which have both served explorations in the North Pole for decades.
The four LC-130 Hercules cargo planes and their crew of 44 “ice pirates” came home from Antarctica at the end of February.
The decommissioning ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at the base.
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