Operation Highjump was led by Richard Evelyn Byrd
During the 26th August 1946, the Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Admiral Chester William Nimitz, announced that a
massive excursion dubbed Operation Highjump would be launched into the Antarctic Continent. Hence, on the 23rd September 1946, the U.S. Navy Secretary James Vincent Forrestal assembled a huge amphibious offensive convoy for the Antarctic Expedition, that was expected to last for 6 to 8 months. Besides the flagship USS Mount Olympus (AGC‑8) and the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), there were 13 support ships, 6 helicopters, 6 flying boats, 2 seaplane tenders and 15 other aircraft, from the U.S. Navy.
Antarctic Base South Pole
The total number of personnel involved was over 5,280. The huge convoy arrived in the Ross Sea on the 31st December 1946, and made aerial explorations of an area half the size of the United States, recording 10 new mountainous areas. The most important area covered was the eastward coastline of the Antarctic Continent from 150 degrees east to the Greenwich Meridian.
Operation Highjump was terminated
The Antarctic Expedition was terminated abruptly on the 15th February 1947, around 6 months earlier than scheduled,
and the entire contingent returned to the United States of America. The only explanation ever given for the early termination of the mission was provided in an interview granted to Lee Van Atta of the International News Services (INS) aboard the support vessel USS Mount Olympus (AGC‑8), whilst it sailed across the Southern Ocean, and published in the Chilean
Join the Members section to access more exclusive content with courses, videos and forums to discuss various topics.
Richard Evelyn Byrd was a famous Polar Explorer
The famous Polar Explorer, Naval Officer and Pioneer Aviator known as Richard Evelyn Byrd, was born on the 25th October 1888, in the city of Winchester, Northern Virginia. Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd led his contingent from the U.S. Navy to the Antarctic Continent on the 31st December 1946.
Watch Operation Highjump | Antarctic Base South Pole | Sacred Wisdom Podcast on Youtube
