MV Green Wave arrives at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on Feb. 14, 2012, carrying over 300 units of United States Antarctic Program cargo representing the program's annual food, parts and other supplies during Operation Deep Freeze, the DoD’s support activity to the National Science Foundation-managed USAP.

U.S. Air Force
by Maj. Jonathan Hannon
Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica

Following the redeployment of the last two C-17 Globemaster IIIs to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., the personnel participating in the 2011-2012 edition of Operation Deep Freeze can lay claim to yet another successful and history-making season.

ODF is the U.S. military’s support to science and research activities conducted by the U.S. Antarctic Program. ODF is a joint, inter-agency operation under the direction of the National Science Foundation and led by Lt Gen Ted Kresge, Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica commander.
(more…)

U.S. Air Force
by Sandra Pishner
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing and active-duty Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing completed a record-setting season for Operation Deep Freeze.

As the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., aircrews and maintainers conducted 74 missions in support of ODF, six more than any previous season. Squadron members also donated a record $10,000 to charities in Christchurch, New Zealand, where they stage ODF C-17 Globemaster III missions.

Operation Deep Freeze is a joint service, inter-agency activity that supports the National Science Foundation, which manages the United States Antarctic Program. Airlift support began Aug. 20, 2011, and ended with the return of the Airmen in early March.
(more…)

Navy Ensign Darius Mercer, right, and sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones transfer six rescued Filipino mariners to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Baranof in the Persian Gulf, March 15, 2012. U.S. Navy photo

Central Command March 15 2012

Crews of the Navy guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones and Coast Guard Cutter Baranof rescued 24 Filipino mariners here today, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command officials reported.

The John Paul Jones, assigned to Combined Maritime Forces Task Force 152, responded to a distress call from the Liberian-flagged motor vessel Stolt Valor, operating in international waters 48 nautical miles southeast of Farsi Island, Iran, officials said.

When the John Paul Jones’ crew spotted one of two life rafts signaling with a small light and launched the ship’s rigid-hull inflatable boat to investigate, they found 16 people in the first raft and eight more in the other.
(more…)

An SH-60F helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 14, supports members of the Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team and the Royal Thai Armed Forces in assessing damage caused by flooding in the Bangkok area. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos

Defense officials are carefully monitoring the situation in Thailand as that nation faces the worst flooding it’s had in more than 50 years.

Recent flooding across Thailand has killed more than 360 people, and more than 2.5 million people have been affected, Thai government officials said.

When the flooding started, U.S. Pacific Command ordered the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, which was conducting a port visit to Singapore, to get underway earlier than scheduled to pre-position in case assistance was required. The command sent a 10-Marine humanitarian assistance survey team from Okinawa, Japan, to Bangkok, Thailand, to assess the situation in the country.

After meeting with Thai officials, the team determined that U.S. military assistance was not needed.

“The Thai government and military have led a tremendous effort to protect and help its citizens during the recent flooding,” Pentagon officials said.

The Navy ships have been released to participate in a previously scheduled annual exercise with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Pentagon officials said. The destroyer USS Mustin now plans a previously unscheduled port visit to Laem Chabang, Thailand, to conduct community service events and military-to-military engagements.

Pacific Command officials are working with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to determine if U.S. military assets are needed to support the Thais.

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

A child from the local community holds a sign thanking the U.S. Sailors from the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and members from the Royal Thai Armed Forces during a community service event organized by the Princess Pa Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society. More than 40 Sailors from Mustin volunteered their time with the local community and members from the Royal Thai Armed Forces with assisting in preparing more than 5,000 packages. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos

The guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived here Oct. 21 for a port visit and to participate in community service events in order to strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Thailand.

The U.S. Navy extends its sincere condolences to the people of Thailand in the aftermath of the recent flooding that has affected the nation.

While in port, the crew of USS Mustin will participate in community service projects in an effort to build upon existing ties between our two nations. The crew will also engage with their Royal Thai Navy counterparts to build on the relationship they have established with their ally.

Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Blanca Marin, assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), sits with members from the Royal Thai Navy and seals prepare packaged goods kits organized by the Princess Pa Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society, during a community service event. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos

“Our ship visited Thailand earlier this year and received a very warm welcome from the Thai people,” said Mustin’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Scott A. Tait. “The men and women of Mustin are truly looking forward to return their kindness. We are looking forward to engaging the community in any way we can.”

Seventh Fleet
US Navy