NMCB-3 Deploys to Antarctica for First Time Since 1994

A team of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 departed on Oct. 14, 2024 for Antarctica to support a waterfront construction mission, marking the first time since 1994 Seabees were officially involved in operations on the continent. The Seabees will operate within a military-contractor project delivery model to construct infrastructure that supports the installation of a new loading/offload infrastructure project at McMurdo Station, the primary logistics hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP).

This mission is part of the annual OPERATION DEEP FREEZE, conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), which oversees all U.S. operations in Antarctica. The Seabees will work alongside contractors to install new offload infrastructure after the current “ice pier” at McMurdo Station became unreliable to sustain essential logistics operations. The new project is an enduring engineering solution to facilitate the safe and efficient loading and offload of supplies to McMurdo, which plays a central role in supporting scientific research across the continent.

"This is a monumental mission for the Naval Construction Force, being our first return to Antarctica in 30 years.” said Lt. Cmdr. Corey Cattano, officer in charge of the detachment, “We are excited to continue the legacy of the Seabees at the United States' most southern port by delivering high quality construction to the National Science Foundation. Our Seabees are ready to showcase their world-class construction skills to ensure McMurdo Station remains fully operational to support vital scientific research."

The deployment to Antarctica presents unique challenges, from the extreme cold to the remote location, but the Seabees of NMCB-3 are well-prepared. Their ability to adapt to harsh conditions and execute specialized tasks, such as certified welding operations on enduring infrastructure, makes them ideally suited for this mission.

The U.S. Army currently installs a Modular Causeway System each year to facilitate cargo offload operations, but the NSF has requested, and was approved for, a more permanent solution. NMCB-3’s role in this project, using a Naval Construction Force-contractor delivery model, will help reduce risks associated with the current degraded infrastructure. This effort will significantly improve McMurdo’s capability to receive Military Sealift Command vessels, which deliver critical supplies and equipment.

This mission highlights the strong, ongoing partnership between the NSF and the U.S. military in advancing scientific exploration in one of the most remote and challenging environments on the planet. It also demonstrates NMCB-3’s commitment to excellence, living up to their motto, "Better than Best!"