Operation Highjump, officially known as The United States Navy Antarctic Developments Program (1946–1947), was a major U.S. Navy expedition to Antarctica launched shortly after World War II.
It was organized by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd and led by Rear Admiral Richard H. Cruzen, commanding Task Force 68. The operation involved over 4,700 personnel, 70 ships, and 33 aircraft, making it the largest Antarctic expedition of its time.
Objectives
The mission had several stated goals:
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Training personnel and testing equipment in frigid conditions.
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Determining the feasibility of establishing and maintaining bases in Antarctica.
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Developing techniques for air base operations on ice.
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Amplifying existing knowledge of electromagnetic, geological, geographic, hydrographic, and meteorological conditions in the area .
Alien Chronicles: Antarctic Worlds Below
