Logistic Support: and Further Planning

Antarctic Division, along with NSF provided the logistic support and major field equipment requirements. All VUWAE personnel travelled between New Zealand and Antarctica by Naval Task Force VXE-6 Hercules and Starlifter. Internal logistic support consisted of 34 hours of helicopter flying time and almost a full season's motor toboggan support.

To complete the glacier survey (initiated in Dec. 1975), two surveyors and a field assistant were requested from Antarctic Division. The field assistant was seconded to the Beacon Studies party (VUWAE 22C) upon completion of the early season glacier survey. A further request for a field assistant for VUWAE 226 was approved.

Following discussions at Tekapo it was suggested that a field assistant be assigned to VUWAE 22A while the subglacial tunnel was excavated. This was tentatively approved subject to Scott Base and Antarctic Division personnel requirements at the time of the proposed tunnelling.

Minor adjustments, due to bad weather and logistic changes, in the VUWAE programme were approved and implemented through the cooperation of Bob Straight (Leader, Scott Base) and John Lythgoe (Deputy Leader, Scott Base).