(62nd AW PA) - Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings, deployed from McChord Field as part of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, completed a milestone event when they flew the 500th C-17 Globemaster III Special Assignment Airlift Mission into Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze, Oct. 14.

ODF is a joint service operation in support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and provides airlift support for the National Science Foundation's scientific research by transporting NSF cargo and personnel to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. C-17 crews from McChord Field use Christchurch International Airport in Christchurch, New Zealand, as a base of operations.

The C-17, flying under the call sign "ICE 11," touched down on Pegasus White Ice runway Sunday, carrying NSF personnel and cargo to the icy research outpost. Upon conclusion of that mission, C-17 aircraft from McChord Field had transported a total of more than 40,000 passengers and nearly 45 million pounds of cargo to Antarctica in support of ODF since 1999.

"We are extremely proud of this milestone; 500 missions is a significant accomplishment," said Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd AW commander. "Team McChord's support to the National Science Foundation is an important and rewarding mission."

Another milestone set with this mission is that all 500 ODF missions have been completed without mishap.

"To have safely flown 500 missions in this unique environment is a great operational accomplishment for the C-17 aircrews and maintenance teams of the 304th EAS," said Lt. Col. Brent Keenan, 304th EAS commander. "Knowing that during these missions we have directly contributed to the advancement of scientific research and provided a lifeline to the isolated continent is a great feeling.

"I look forward to flying the next set of 500 missions," Keenan added.

"I cannot be more proud of Team McChord and what they do for this nation and the U.S. Air Force," said Col. Bruce Bowers, 446th AW commander. "Across the board, this total force works together not only during conflict but during peacetime."

A total of 48 missions are scheduled for the 2012-2013 season of ODF, which is scheduled to be completed in March.

Photo: The crew of “ICE 11,” comprised of members from the 62nd and the 446th Airlift Wings, pose for a photo after flying the 500th mishap-free Operation Deep Freeze mission Oct. 14 at Pegasus Field, Antarctica. Team McChord has been flying C-17 Globemaster III missions to Antarctica in support of the National Science Foundation since 1999.