In the late hours of January 17th (UTC), our fleet of four aircraft touched down at Union Glacier Camp (S79° W080°), marking the completion of our ambitious circumnavigation. DHB led the arrival, followed by helicopters AEK and DKK, with KBO bringing up the rear—a fitting final formation for our remarkable journey.
SWIDA-RINGS Expedition by the Numbers:
- Total Duration: 46 days
- Aircraft: 2 helicopters CC-AEK & CC-DKK and 2 Twin Otters C-FDHB & C-GKBO
- Research Stations Visited: 15
- Distance Covered: Approximately 8.000 nautical miles
- Survey Data: Extensive grounding line mapping using airborne radar
- Weather Delays: Multiple, ranging from 24 hours to 7 days
- Successful Fuel Caches: Multiple strategic points around the continent
This expedition stands as a testament to what can be achieved when science, logistics, and international cooperation align. From the warmth of Christmas at Progress Station to the weather challenges at Law Dome, from the historical echoes at Cape Crozier to the final push from Mount Sidley, each segment of our journey contributed to a greater understanding of Earth’s southernmost continent.
The success of SWIDA-RINGS demonstrates that ambitious scientific goals can be achieved through careful planning, international cooperation, and unwavering dedication. As we rest at Union Glacier Camp, we reflect not only on the data collected and distances covered but on the spirit of collaboration that made it all possible.
Special thanks to each one of you:
René Forsberg – Radar Survey Lead Scientist
Andreas Stokholm – Radar Survey Scientist from Denmark
Carl Leuschen – Radar Survey Scientist from United States
Frederik Paulsen – Founder of the expedition from Sweden
Mike McDowell – Expedition Leader from Australia
Ibrahim Sharaf – Guest from United Arab Emirates
Jamie Fitzel – Twin Otter Captain from Canada
Graham Meyer – Twin Otter First Officer from Canada
Jeff Amantea – Twin Otter Captain from Canada
Kyle Witkowski – Twin Otter First Officer from Canada
Avanish Rajbhandari – Twin Otter Engineer from Canada
Nicolas Leal Loch – Helicopter Engineer from Chile
Cedar Jasiuk – Safety expert from Canada
Stephane Luchini – Helicopter Pilot from France
Francois Bernard – Guide from France
Jeanne Picart – Medic from France
Cyrille Boubakour – Helicopter Pilot from France
Brad Comrie – Helicopter Pilot from New Zealand
Christian de Marliave – Expedition Leader from France
Devon McDiarmid – Field Expedition Manager from Canada
Simon Abrahams – Travel Safety Leader from UK
Marc de Keyser – Meteorologist from Belgium
Santiago Urrutia Mendez – Communications Engineer from Chile
Graeme Smith – NAL21 Helicopters Logistics
Lucy Dowland – Expedition Planning
Emily Arnorld – Radar Equipment Installer
Kenichi Matsuoka – Director of RINGS
Alain Hubert – Princess Elisabeth Station Leader
Christine Wesche – Logistics Manager Neumayer III
Mika Kalakoski – Aboa Station Leader
Håkan Grudd – Wasa Station Leader
Alfonso Luna – Belgrano II Base Leader
Chris Aldridge – Operations Program Manager at BAS
Dan McKenzie – Halley Station Leader
Tim Hewette – ALE Field Operations Manager
Hannah McKeand – Gould Bay Camp Manager
Thomas Matz – Field Operations Manager Neumayer-Station III
Riaan Aucamp – Ultima Logistics and Expeditions
Jon Hugo Strømseng – Head of Antarctic section, Norway
Aleksei Gaidashov – Head of the Belarusian Station Mountain Evening
Igor Savva – Mirny Station Leader
Maksim Markov – Air Traffic Controller at Progress Station
Rocco Ascione – Mario Zucchelli Station Leader