MV Ocean Giant Completes Cargo Offload at McMurdo Station: A Historical Look at Operation Deep Freeze and Military Sealift Command’s Role

The Military Sealift Command (MSC) chartered vessel, MV Ocean Giant, has successfully completed its cargo offload at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, as part of Operation Deep Freeze 2025. Arriving on January 26, 2025, the ship delivered 380 pieces of essential cargo, including mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies, electronics equipment, and mobile office units, to support the station's operations for the upcoming year.

A notable aspect of this year's mission was the deployment of a 65-ton floating Marine Causeway System. Traditionally, cargo operations at McMurdo Station relied on an ice pier constructed from rebar and frozen seawater. However, due to severe damage rendering the ice pier unusable this year, the Marine Causeway System was utilized as an alternative to facilitate the offloading process.

Following the offload, MV Ocean Giant was loaded with 360 containers of retrograde cargo, including waste materials and equipment no longer required at the station, for transportation off the continent.

Operation Deep Freeze is a joint service mission supporting the National Science Foundation's United States Antarctic Program. It involves active duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard, as well as Department of Defense civilians and associated non-DOD civilians. The operation is primarily conducted from Christchurch, New Zealand, and McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Since the establishment of McMurdo Station in 1955, MSC-chartered vessels have played a crucial role in its annual resupply missions. These ships have navigated the challenging voyage to Antarctica every year, ensuring the continuous support and sustainability of the station's operations.

The successful completion of MV Ocean Giant's mission underscores the enduring commitment and collaboration of the various military branches and civilian agencies involved in supporting scientific endeavors in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.