Expedition commanders Rear Admirals Richard H. Byrd commanded the scientific and research elements, with six Douglas R4D-5L aircraft (Navy C-47As) at his disposal. The naval contingent, known as Task Force 68, was commanded by Rear Adm. The operation involved 13 ships, more than 4,700 personnel and a variety of aircraft, including newly purchased helicopters. naval operations Admiral Chester Nimitz announced that a massive combined military expedition dubbed Operation Highjump would be launched into Antarctica in December during summer in the Southern Hemisphere. As such, the United States sought to establish a presence in Antarctica and explore the frigid continent using naval and air assets. With its vast mineral deposits amid largely unexplored territory, Antarctica was considered a promising potential repository of those vital resources. The war’s end also signaled the onset of the atomic age and a corresponding desire among the victorious nations to secure supplies of uranium and other natural resources. The celebrations surrounding the end of World War II had barely ended when the Cold War commenced between the Western Allies and their Soviet former partner. Operation Highjump: 1946-47 Expedition to Explore Antarctica From the Air Close
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