Description Operation DEEP FREEZE (ODF) is a joint service, on-going Defense Support to Civilian Authorities (DSCA) activity in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff designated the Commander, US Pacific Command (CDRUSPACOM), be responsible for execution of this DSCA operation. CDRUSPACOM created Joint Task Force – Support Forces Antarctica (JTF-SFA) to carry out ODF, and appointed the Commander, 13th Air Force, to also serve as Commander, JTF-SFA (CJTF-SFA).
Within the scope provided by NSF policy and direction, JTF-SFA forces coordinate with inter-agency and international partners to provide air and maritime cargo and passenger transport throughout the Antarctic Joint Operations Area. JTF-SFA forces consist of active duty, Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard as well as Department of Defense (DoD) civilians and attached non-DOD civilians. ODF operates from two primary locations situated at Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Under the NSF’s lead, ODF works closely with other national Antarctic programs, to include those of New Zealand, Australia, and Italy.
