I. Ships and Aircraft
Section I of the 2004-2005 season plans lists the names, types, numbers, descriptions, and armament of ships, aircraft, and other vehicles introduced to the Antarctic Treaty area and information on military equipment, if any, and its location in the area.
Ships
Icebreakers
Ship: USCGC Polar Sea (WAGB-10) Aircraft: 2 each HH-65A helicopters Armament: Small arms only
Supply/Tankers
Ship: Resupply Vessel American Tern - dry cargo Armament: None
Ship: TBA - Champion Class T-5 Tanker Armament: None
Research Vessels
Ship: R/V Laurence M. Gould Armament: None
Ship: R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer Armament: None
Aircraft
- Six LC-130 transport aircraft operated by the 109th Air Wing.
- Two Bell 212 helicopter based at McMurdo Station.
- Two Aerospatiale AS-350B-2 helicopters based at McMurdo Station
Note: No armament
Air Mobility Command
Between October and November 2004, and January and February 2005 C-141B and C-17 aircraft of the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) will transport cargo and personnel to and from Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
Note: No armament
Other Aircraft
Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 aircraft will transport cargo and personnel on intercontinental flights between Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during November and December 2004 in support of the U.S. and New Zealand Antarctic Programs.
Note: Two DeHavilland DHC-6/300 Twin Otters will be used; both aircraft will arrive at McMurdo in early November 2004, and depart early February 2005.
Note: No armament