Second (1948) U.S. Navy Antarctic Development Project

Abstract

The Second (1948) Antarctic Development Project was the second post-war U.S. Navy expedition to the Antarctic and was in reality in part a continuation of the previous year's "Operation High-jump". The general plan of the expedition was that two "wind-class" ice-breakers should penetrate the belt of ice pack at various points along the antarctic coasts and land parties by boat, overland transport, or by aircraft to enable them to fix geographical points. In addition a program of research in the various sciences was undertaken, as well as extensive testing of naval equipment and operational procedure. Commander G. L. Ketchum, USN, was in command of the expedition, officially known as Task Force 39. The ice-breaker U.S.S. Edisto (AG-89), under the command of Commander E. C. Folger, USN, departed Norfolk on 6 November 1947 and proceeded via the Panama Canal to American Samoa to join U.S.S. Burton Island (AG-88), commanded by Commander E. A. MacDonald, USN, and with the Task Force Commander and staff on board. Final departure for antarctic waters took place from Samoa at 0800 on 5 December and both ships headed south on parallel courses to make lines of deep sea soundings. ...