Guest Book

Living down on the coast of Mississippi, 34 years. to answer in part to one of our members Harold ‘moose’ cannon Bruce Hanson is or was in Calif. Oxnard or Ventura. i worked for Bruce, he had a Security Business. Best i can tell ya. Might want to check in and around there he had one daughter. She was the secretary. All i know.... Collapse

in respond to Louis Peolsi wanting information about being in American Samoa, I am looking for the same information . I am dealing with the VA and could use your help. I was a member of VXE 6 in 69 & 70 but if you ever flew through American Samoa airspace and landed at PaGo PaGo airport for refueling please e mail me at rwalker1937@yahoo.com. Just state as a member of Deep Freeze task force and or VXE 6 that you did Land and refuel at PaGo PaGo. Your help would be greatly appreciated . Smooth sailing and calm seas. Ron Walker YN3... Collapse

Congratulations Wayne White... Collapse

i used to be a member OEA few years ago. one of my friends Billy Baker (who winter over with me 1962) are you related???... Collapse

Just reminiscing about my father Billy Ace Baker just miss reading The gazette when he would have it out, I'm glad it's still going thank you... Collapse

Does anyone know the location of. EO2 DON BENNINGTON OR EO2 BRUCE HANSEN. Summer support 71–75 served at MACMURDO STATION..... Collapse

My grandfather, John Feurer, passed away recently. He was in the navy with Devron 6 in ‘71 to ‘75 working on C-130s and supposedly occasionally managed a power plant? He was always the penguin guy, every gift every year was penguin things. I didn’t find out until recently how long penguins had been his thing In his office downstairs he has his membership of the South Pole certificate hung up. Although through it all he didn’t like being called a veteran since he didn’t think he contributed enough. I appreciate everyone who’s worked to keep this website running, thank you.... Collapse

Correction: honorable late Hoyt suceeded Peters. I am talking about the clown who killed Puckered Pete.... Collapse

Deep Freeze 1979- 1983 Fuelie, Hello to all OAE's... Collapse

My heart sank when I read the news of BILLY-ACE's passing.

We all know he was the 'heart and soul' of the OAEA from the beginning. Matthew 25-15: Well Done my good and faithful servant.

To his extended family/friends, my heartfelt condolences.

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS.

Greg Greenwod
NSFA 80-83... Collapse

W/O class of 1979 WOW 43 years ago... Collapse

Sad news for the Old Antarctic Explorer’s Association, Inc. -- as OAEA ‘Life Director’ Billy-Ace Penguin Baker passed away this morning at his home, with his daughter, Kerry, at his side.

Billy-Ace was one of the first six Directors (his term of office was 4 years) on the initial OAEA Board of Directors when it was set up on 14 January 2001.

At the first OAEA National Reunion in November 2002 in Pensacola, an election was conducted at the General Membership meeting on 7 November 2002. At that meeting, OAEA members in attendance elected Billy-Ace as ‘Lifetime Director’.

Billy-Ace has been a driving force in the administration and operation of the OAEA from day one. As both the Editor of the “Explorer’s Gazette” (since January 2004) and the first OAEA Webmaster, his tireless efforts to support the OAEA have been immeasurable. B-A also created the OAEA-logo, and thanks to his dedication and commitment to the publication of the quarterly “Explorer’s Gazette” newsletter, he helped place the OAEA alongside the other major associations that concern themselves with polar-related exploration and research, such as The American Polar Society and the Antarctican Society.... Collapse

W/O 74 & 80
S/S 83-87, 90-92
Fire Chief
Retired USN DCCS.
Anyone know the where about of JOC Gwyneth Pembrook. SS 90-92.... Collapse

Wintered Over sappat Byrd Station. 1970-1971... Collapse

DeepFreeze 1967,68 VX-6 Williams Field Cargo 955 D-8 Operator Cargo Handler 7 Times Around South Pole McMurdo Ellsworth... Collapse

I see Roger Burton on Eastwind for DF-1 when I was, i'd exchange sea stories if he wishes.... Collapse

Looking for anyone that served with me in CBU 201 when deployed to McMurdo in Oct 66 to march 67'... Collapse

Summer Support 81-85 & 93 EO. NSFA... Collapse

I was delighted to find information about my book "Wyatt Earp - The little ship with many names" in your Explorer's Gazette, Vol.20, 2.
With Lincoln Ellsworth as owner for four of the Antarctic voyages it made, it obviously has some interest to people in the US. I have also been doing some research on Australian Sir Hubert Wilkins, who was Ellsworth's "voyage leader and manager" on those 1930s trips. Many years later (1957-1958) he visited the US Wilkes base. I would be delighted to hear from anyone with information about either Ellsworth, Wilkins or the Wyatt Earp.... Collapse

Bernard J O'Connell Daily Press

Bernard O"Connel passed away Sunday Nov 15 2020.
Joe wintered over at McMurdo 1972-72.

Dave Dubois... Collapse

We lost 2 more OAE's last month. HT1 Dale L Knowles and HT3 Ronald M Randall, both worked in the fire station during W/O 73.... Collapse

I was looking thru my photos. I was SS for 4 yrs . 1st four in the military. CB. I took a lot of pics. But, I was wondering if someone else did, and most especially the Chapel before it burnt down. Inside was all the winter over people that had been there before our time, almost from the beginning if I recall the dates. I cant seem to find any of those pics I took. Had anyone else been fortunate enough to take them for posperity, I hope. Just wondering. 1976 to 1980 summer support, met Senator Bird as well. Thanks for y alls service to the community.... Collapse

Been awhile since I checked. Any DF-1 1955-56 still afloat.. USCGC Eastind, EN2... Collapse

Just discovered OAEA. I sailed on USCGC Glacier DF 85/86. I was the last Chief Radioman aboard before she was decommissioned. There aren't many Coast Guard people signed up. Like your site, lots of history.... Collapse

Hey, Gabby, is there an active link to McMurdo, either to view or two way, thru the computer of course. Just curious. Hope everyone is hunkered down for this virus, ya know you still have to go and get supplies though. An idea,,use rubber gloves to open boxes from Amazon, or anywhere else for that matter. Then throw them out, don't turn them inside out to use them again, think about it.... Collapse

I was in MCB-1 at New Byrd Sta. 61/62 looking for anyone who was there during that time . David O. Hart EON-3... Collapse

Hey, any of you guys out there from DF 63/64 to 65/66 give me a hello back. I was a RM3 then RM2 in with VX6 in McMurdo in 63/64, in CHCH in 64/65, and in McMurdo again in 65/66. Left the Navy at end of Feb. 66.... Collapse

Could you please send me a password!!

Greetings from down under...... Collapse

Quick note, just found this site. Interesting - I was in USS Wyandot AKA 92 deep freeze 4 - 58/59 and in USS Glacier AGB 4 for deep freeze 60 - 1959 / 60.The ice is is kinda habit forming - so is New Zealand - Wellington was my favorite. But chi chi was also nice and the people at that time were very friendly. Any one remember me are just want to talk - e mail - arkieguide1@gmail.com... Collapse

I noticed that the names under the pictures of Neeley and Stickels on page 30 of the latest newsletter are reversed; Stickels is the one with the beard.... Collapse

With Rediron's passing, and a mention of Byrd I am wondering how many DF-1 volunteers are still living. Coasties, Seabees, Airdales, Army types and AF dog musher. We had a mixture on the USCGC Eastwind. 1955.... Collapse

Helo Gabby ,
Wx is sunny and leaves are showing their true color. I do not seem to be able to catch the password. My reflexes are not quite as they once were purported to be. Maybe a phone call would connect us.
802 893 4182
152 Westford road
Milton Vermont
Forgive my lack of email. Expertise, I still have our original dial phone , thank you for your help it is good to reconnect with the people of our shared experience Mike showalter... Collapse

Hello All!
This is time sensitive. I'm handing in my book manuscript in mid Sept.

My father was on the USS Bear for Byrd's III. I have a poem called Men of the Bear, that I think is written by Byrd's manager "Leo" MacDonald. If you know the author, please email me!
beginning:
"In the dark, when the ship's a tossin' and you're trying to stick to your bunk..."
ending: Yours is no static horizon.....you lucky son-of-a-gun"

Thanks, Leilani... Collapse

I wintered over in 59-60 at Cape Hallett. Trying to get a password so I can get into the roster. I need Mark Gordon's email address. He and I wintered over together.... Collapse

Sixty years ago the big party was about to begin at McMurdo for those of us that wintered over during Deep Freeze 4. I look at the slides I took during the mid-winter party every once in a while and reflect on the once in a life time opportunity I had to be there. I was the second youngest member of crew. My main job there was to melt snow at the laundry/shower building.

I am planning on attending the reunion next year in Jacksonville. I attended the first two but life got in the way of attending any since then.... Collapse

Bought my first bottle of SHACKLETON reproduction of the stuff they uncovered in 2007 front under the floor of his hut on McMurdo.i wintered over on DFIV an was in that shack. Wonder what would have happened if we had found it! Anyway it’s a real smooth drink and I can imagine how he felt when took a sip before going to sleep! GOOD STUFF MAYNARD!... Collapse

Gabby, got your recording, all info has not changed. ... Collapse

Thanks Gabby,

I just got my package of goodies, and I got to say that that is one nice Membership Certificate!

I think it’s nicer than the Antarctic Service Medal one.

Now to get a frame…

Mark... Collapse

I wintered over at the Pole station 84-85.
Was reading Bill Spindler's site as I did every few years and found that he now lives close to me and so I gave him a call. I didn't even know of OAEA's existence until it was mentioned.

Check your mail, a new lifetime membership is in the mail!... Collapse

According to the TV Guide the Penguin Power and Light was broke-dick.

Vik... Collapse

Been ages since I've been here, Billy, alone, used to run the web page.
I see it entered the "big time" era now.
Can't remember if I am a member, seems you need a password to see the roster.

Greetings all.. (NSFA 1973-76 1979-85)

Richard Linder... Collapse

Last Month PC3 Gerald Aten passed away. Jerry was our winter over mailman that wintered at McMurdo 1972-73.... Collapse

Wintered over at Cape Hallett 59/60. Was one of the stations radio operator RM2. It is hard to believe that was 60 years ago.... Collapse

Hi Gabby,
Long time, no see! I did 4 W/O. 2 at Pole 64-65 and 2 at McMudhole!
Wintered with you and Billy-Ace.
Supervised the construction of the first operational ice pier in 1974.
Was very surprised when I saw an article, and picture of the ice breaker tied up to a ice pier in 2017!!! Guess my way of building the first one was a good idea! Leave it to the Seabees! We know how to solve problems! Also solved the problem with the water lines going up to the water plant!... Collapse

I understand Dick Bower is turning 90. Happy Birthday to another DF-1 Exploer... Collapse

The dancing pengines are so Kool!... Collapse

NOTE: OAEA 9TH National Reunion, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
9-11 MAY 2018 is just around the corner. Contact: John Lamont West (210) 651-3650 or
OAEA2018Reunion@aol.com

Get your reservations in !!!!... Collapse

I almost daily think about my Deepfreeze I and II experiances and consider the trip via the USSArneb to McMurdo and as a Photographer for 55-56-and wintering 57 as a highlight of my Military career. From testing an immersion water suit,filming the airdrop of the D2 tractor that escaping out of the harness and plunging out of sight at the SouthPole while my cheek lost a bit of skin from the open hatch on the C124.
Getting para-rescue jump training before wintering on Deepfreeze II.
While wintering being allowed to drag a sled with film projector and showing movies to Sir Edmund Hilary at the N.Z. Scott base on Sat nights And finally getting to marry a lovely New Zealand girl to top off the experance.
Would go back to the ice in a heartbeat but alas not to be for this 82 year old Vet..
Ken... Collapse

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 43 years since I was on the Ice. I spent a total of 17 months in Antarctica working as a weather observer at remote stations tracking weather balloons. Now, with the proliferation of weather satellites, my military rating has become obsolete leaving me with only memories of a wonderful adventure in my early twenties! I’m glad to be an OAE in such esteemed company.... Collapse

Hello All , great articles and some old friends here too. I was an AE-2 with the Helo Crew in 69-71 . Looking for AT-2 Don Martin 69-71 AT Shop at McMurdo . Don was from Marysville , MO.Lost track of my old friend .... Collapse

Louis La Riccia passed away several years ago after he and his wife had moved to SC. Louis was a hard worker for the Eastwind. He attended all their reunions. The model was to be displayed somewhere on the east coast for a while and then was to be moved to a permanent location at the Coast Guard Academy.... Collapse

Frank Brown, no mention of Louis LaRiccia on our ship's roster or Eastwind's Assoc. Sort's sounds familiar.... Collapse

Enjoy reading the newsletter. It keeps posted on all the work being done in the Antarctica area. Keep u the good work.... Collapse

My first, Deep Freeze 61, began as fantastic duty in Chi Chi. I was having way to much fun and the powers to be sent me to Williams Field at McMurdo Sound so I could "settle down." Worked as air ground support that year. Returned for Deep Freeze 62 & 63 as Loadmaster on the first four C-130 the Navy operated. I remember one year, most of Williams Field broke away from the main ice and went to sea, as did almost every thing we owned including our runway homes. A great big Hello to those wonderful people who served with me then. It was a pleasure and honor and of course, one of the best and biggest events of my life.... Collapse

It was just before Christmas in 1960 when I first entered McMurdo Sound in the Antarctic. It was an amazing sight to a 19 year old. Smoke was rolling out of Mt Erebus. To me it was a scene right out of a Science Fiction movie.I'll be 77 this year & I don't think I'll ever forget that experience.... Collapse

I was in DF1 but had to remain at Quonset Point as my father died the week before the Eastwind left port and I was on Emerency Leave. I was a AM and painted the tail of Que Sera Sera.
Hello to all DF1 folks.... Collapse

Hi Folks I served on the USCGC Westwind
Op deepfreeze 111 Great Experience... Collapse

I'd be remiss if I don't add: the other 2 Watches of B-1 ER of the Eastwind had designed a birthday card for me. The crashed people were alive and we were headed back to McMurdo to complete our mission. A Happy Birthday indeed. All ahead Full.... Collapse

Hi I would like to here from mates who were on W/O 1967.
See ya in San Antonio in May
John (MOE) Morrow SK.... Collapse

Thought I would say hello to all the members and say that I enjoy reading the newsletters. It is a long way to you over there from here, but it is quicker for me to reach Antarctica from my house here in Melbourne!

I'm working towards another trip to the Ice, this time from Ushaia, so I can spin on the OTHER side of the continent, at Shackleton's hut.

Anyone want to join me?... Collapse

Enjoyed my time on the Ice. McMurdo/Hallett station 1966-1967, Hallett Station, 1967-1968 and 1968-1069. Radioman. Served under Chief Melo and Chief Baker.... Collapse

First time on site and looking for any 75/76 WO crew. I worked and lived in the WD plant with Jack Kernan? (spelling) Donald Rolleader.
Thx for the great work u do here.
Regards, Dan Ney WO 75/76... Collapse

Kudos and a big 4.0 to Gabby on this most inclusive and quality Deep Freeze web site. It should pass the test of time as a living memorial for sure.
While in high school I was exposed to Deep Freeze in the mid 50s while reading the adventures of Buz Sawyer in the comics. I then went right over to NAS South Weymouth and signed up. The rest is most interesting history.
Thanks for keeping us all alive and together...... Collapse

My name is Eugene Herrman, and I served as a cook with the 69-70 winter over crew, as Mc Murdo, still have some great souvenirs from the Antarctic, would like to hear from other crew members from 69-70. It will be 50 years shortly since my time there, but reminisce about it all the time.... Collapse

Hello to any and all from CBU 201, from 1966 thru 1969.... Collapse

Any DF-1 hands still afloat?
USCGC Eastwind. Gone but not forgotten... Collapse

I started out in the firehouse at McMurdo, summer 70; made AG3 and off to McGregor camp for Nov 70; back to Det "C" at McMurdo for Christmas and New Year's, and finally a trip to Hallett on the Burton Island where I would be the next two seasons till we closed the station on 19 Feb 1973. Any Hallett or Det "C" guys out there?... Collapse

Winter-Over 74-75. Gabby would drop by the radio shack to listen to the Norfolk radio station. :-)... Collapse

Ken Saxman UTi passed away on Sept 2017, not Sept 1917. Sorry about error in year.... Collapse

Great to see the guestbook revived.
Anyone out there spend any time in the tunnels of Byrd Station during 1964/65?
This was the time Carl Disch wandered off and was never found... Collapse

Would like to hear from any of the cadre who was at Hallett station during DEEP FREEZE 60-61... Collapse

I haven't heard a lot about CBMU 201. Anyone still around? Decommissioned in 1971 I believe. I was assigned there in 1969.... Collapse

Hello fellow explorers! Hoping to link up with old colleagues, whether science, contractor, or military. I served with the 109th Airlift Wing LC-130 skibirds as Deep Freeze navigator and then pilot during summers 93-94, 94-95, 96-97, 97-98, 99-00, and 00-01. Went back to serve with Joint Task Force - Support Forces Antarctica from 2009-2011. When I grow up I hope to winter over.... Collapse

I was involved in Deepfreeze II at McMurdo, I was injured and missed the wintering over, but returned for Deepfreeze III and IV as a staff member for CONNAVSUPFOR and spent time at several of the new bases and Christchurch. Good luck to all and keep up the good work. Robbie Williams... Collapse

Siple Station WO 1981-2
WINFLY & Summer 83-84. WINFLY @ Williams Field. Summer @ South Pole... Collapse

W/O 89-90 at Mcmurdo. Was on the first C-5 Galaxy to land on the ice.... Collapse

OAE W/O 69... Collapse

Don and Dave Manwiller dropping by to say hello. VX-6 Aug.67to April70.... Collapse

62 yr. old memories when the USCG was looking for volunteers to go into
a place, Adm. Byrd was painting a bad picture of, even so far as telling our wives, some would be widows before the CGC Eastwind returned, thanks a lot Richard, he was heavy on the dramatics .... Collapse

Mighty fine work on the appearance of the website Gabby... of course I would expect nothing less from a OAE CE.
Bravo Zulu.... Collapse

Antarctic Support Det Charlie - The Weather Guessers...Mcmurdo, Byrd & South Pole '72, '73, '74.... Collapse

Thanks for the opportunity to reconnect with former OAE, been nearly 50 years since I last step foot at McMurdo and williams Field.... Collapse

CRREL plus USARP summers 62-63 and 63-64 at McMurdo, Pole and Byrd Stations.In January 2005 I returned to Antarctica lecturing and guiding. Primarily I am on the Hurtigrten "FRAM" and in 2018, from Ushuaia to the Peninsula then north to Miami.... Collapse

Sorry to have missed the last reunion but plan to attend on the future
I was an ice breaker sailor aboard USS ATKA during DEEPFREEZE 66.... Collapse

I served on board the USCGC Westward when we went to the Antarctic during Deep Freeze III. I had signed up with your organization several years ago but have never succeed in getting my name on your mailing list. My Coastie Buddy, Ed Reed, always forwards your information to me.
Thank you.... Collapse

Great Gazette, great guestbook, this DF-1 USCGC Eastwind Vet appreciates it Where did 61+ years go?... Collapse

Rec'd info that W/O 73 OAE HMC Melvin Epley passed away October 31 ,2016.... Collapse

...1983-89...it was fun, but it wasn't real fun...... Collapse