NY Air National Guard to launch mission to Antarctica

The New York Air National Guard is launching a support mission to Antarctica for a 32nd year.

Members of the 109th Airlift Wing leave Monday for a weeklong trip to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station. Five LC-130 “Skibird” aircraft will depart from the Stratton Air National Guard Base near Schenectady.

The military helps deliver supplies and personnel to Antarctica. The wing expects to conduct 160 missions, included logistical support for research. Scientists are studying ice loss in glaciers on the continent.

About 500 airmen are expected to deploy through February.