Another Shackleton Explores Antarctica: CDR Scott Shackleton

By John Ohab
February 18, 2010:

Q: What is your job, and what unit are you deployed from?

A: I am a Naval Reservist assigned to Military Sealift Command (MSC) as a Ships Operation Officer. My role in Antarctica is in support of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense‘s annual delivery of fuel, equipment and supplies required to sustain the scientist and support personnel conducting vital research across the Antarctic continent. In McMurdo, I serve as the liaison between the MSC vessels (United States Naval Ship Paul Buck, American Tern), the Navy sailors offloading the vessel and the scientific support staff receiving the materials. I also track vessel safety concerns, monitor weather updates, assist with specialty cargo requirements, and provide daily situation reports on the offload/backload progress. I am currently deployed from Sealift Logistic Command Pacific (SEALOGOPAC) Headquarters Unit out of San Diego, California.

I’m a licensed Third Assistant Engineer in the US Merchant Marine, and have worked with MSC and the merchant marine industry for over 20 years. I have deployed in support of MSC vessels to a variety of places around the world including Haiti, Thailand, Korea, Kuwait and Australia. I have wanted to support Operation Deep Freeze since I learned of the mission back in 1992. I have strong family ties to Antarctica, being a distant relative of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the famous Antarctic Explorer. I have heard the stories of his great adventures since I was a small child… I have always wanted to venture down to Antarctica and experience it for myself. I am honored and privileged to be given this assignment and have enjoyed every minute of my tour down in Antarctica.

Q: How does the extreme environment impact your job?

A: The extreme environment has a huge impact on our operation. The ice and cold creates a very treacherous and dangerous working environment. Safety is our number-one concern. We have a number of personnel who are required to work long hours in these severe conditions. We need to constantly monitor our operation to ensure that all of our personnel are working and maintaining a safe work environment. The weather down in McMurdo Station can change in an instant; it is not uncommon to see the temperature shift down by as much as 20 degrees in just a matter of minutes. We frequently operate our offloads in temperatures well below freezing. With the short window of opportunity to offload the vessel, it requires that we maximize every available minute of the operation. Good communications between the vessel, the cargo handling personnel, and shore side facility is critical. We all work together to complete the mission as efficiently and safely as conditions allow.

CDR Shackleton stands at the geographic South Pole. Courtesy Pacific Command.

Q: What is your favorite part about being in Antarctica?

A: Without question my favorite part of Antarctica is the incredible beauty. Everywhere you look there are magnificent and majestic views. Snow covered mountains surround McMurdo Sound, rising thousands of feet from the ocean reaching high into the clouds. Active volcanoes vent off their steam and the large ice fields reflect the bright rays of a never-setting sun. The unique lifestyle of the Emperor Penguins and the local seals allow a rare look into the animals that survive in this harsh environment. The other thing I love is the opportunity to relive the incredible history of Antarctica. Remnants of the first Antarctic explorers still exist, preserved in time by the humidity free environment. It is an awesome experience to walk into Scott’s Discovery Hut and see this historical structure just as it was left by these early explorers over 100 years ago. You can’t help but feel that the spirit of these great explorers is still present in this amazing place.

Q: What are some of the unique challenges of living and working in Antarctica that most people wouldn’t think about?

A: Some of the unique challenges of an Antarctic summer would have to include the 24-hour sun light. It works well for our ship operation because no one actually has to work a night shift. However, it can wreak havoc on your sleep patterns. You typically have to block off your window to prevent the bright sunlight form invading your sleep. After a few days you can usually adjust but I always find it strange to step out at two in the morning to a bright sunny day.

The other unique challenge is living in a city where everyone eats and lives together. There is only one place in McMurdo to go when you are hungry. The galley here at McMurdo is an around-the-clock operation. It becomes the primary social and meeting space for everyone at the station. At the peak of the season, the galley staff feeds over 1,000 people per meal. You never know who you will meet when you sit down at a table. Everyone at McMurdo has a great story of how they ended up down here. The berthing spaces are located right across the street from the galley so, depending on your job, your entire world may be limited to a 100-yard triangle. I can imagine that many people may find the boundaries of the McMurdo station to be very confining. There is actually a lot to do in your free time; it just depends on how adventurous you are.

Q: Any advice for those east coast U.S. people currently experiencing the “Snowpocalypse”?

A: I guess my best advice to those folks who are digging out from the snow storm back east is to just be patient. Wait for the storm to completely subside before you trek out to find your drive way. Dress appropriately and never put yourself or your family into harm’s way unless you absolutely have to. The difference of waiting a few hours to travel may be the difference between life and death. Force yourself to enjoy the unexpected time off. It’s a great opportunity to catch up on a good book or spend some quality time with your family. In the end, it will only be a matter of a few days before you’re back into your regular routine.