ترجمه
Antarctic ice runway serving McMurdo Station research operations.
Opened
1956
Location
McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Williams Field Skiway is a seasonal snow and ice airstrip located on the Ross Ice Shelf near McMurdo Station, Antarctica. It serves as a primary flight operations facility for the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), supporting scientific and logistical missions to the continent.
The skiway is operated by the National Science Foundation and managed by its logistics contractor. It accommodates ski-equipped aircraft such as the LC-130 Hercules operated by the U.S. Navy and later the New York Air National Guard, as well as Twin Otters and other polar aircraft. The facility is active primarily during the austral summer season, roughly October through February.
Williams Field is named after Richard T. Williams, a U.S. Navy construction battalion member who died in 1956 when his tractor broke through sea ice. The skiway complements other nearby airstrips such as Pegasus Field, which supports wheeled aircraft operations.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between Williams Field and McMurdo Station is provided by tracked and wheeled vehicles operated by USAP logistics personnel across the ice shelf.
Airlines here
The New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing operates LC-130 Hercules ski-equipped aircraft as the primary carrier supporting USAP missions.
Notable facts
- ›Located on the Ross Ice Shelf, approximately 13 km from McMurdo Station.
- ›Named after U.S. Navy Seabee Richard T. Williams, killed in 1956.
- ›Primarily serves ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules aircraft.
- ›Operational only during the Antarctic summer season (October–February).
- ›Managed under the United States Antarctic Program, funded by the National Science Foundation.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
