Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6) operates on the continent of Antarctica - Earth's highest, driest, coldest, and windiest land mass -- as the United States Navy's only unit directly supporting the mission of polar research and scientific programs of the National Science Foundation.

 

We deploy every year for Operation DEEP FREEZE from October to February.

 

We operate ski-equipped LC-130 "Hercules" and twin engined UH-1N "Huey" transport aircraft and helicopter, flying out of McMurdo Station to most parts of Antarctica.

 

Our tasking is to move large amounts of cargo, personnel, and fuel throughout the continent, as well as providing round-the-clock Search And Rescue (SAR) and Medivac services.

 

During the summer training cycle from March to September, the squadron is based at Naval Air Weapons Station, Point Mugu, California.

 

DEEP FREEZE 98/99 is our  last deployment.

 

In a joint agency agreement between the Departments of Defense, Navy, and Air Force, and the National Science Foundation, the services/tasking we currently provide will be transferred to the Air National Guard, based out of Scotia, New York.