Sixteen Italian soldiers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Carabinieri are taking part in the 2023-24 summer campaign which will last 4 months.
The mission will see the participation of 130 technicians and researchers, engaged in 31 research projects, mainly focused on atmospheric sciences, geology, paleoclimate, biology, oceanography and astronomy.
The research will be directed by the Mario Zucchelli and Concordia stations, on the Italian oceanographic research ship Laura Bassi and at some Antarctic stations in other countries.
In addition, a C-130J aircraft of the 46th Air Brigade of the Italian Air Force, with crews trained to operate in extreme climatic and environmental conditions, in this case on icy runways (landing on the pack), will make connections between Christchurch (New Zealand), the Italian MZS base and the US base of McMurdo, ensuring the transport of passengers and materials according to the needs represented by ENEA.
To support this operation, 36 soldiers of the Italian Air Force based in Christchurch will be deployed. The Defense specialists, within the specific skills of the Armed Force to which they belong, will give support to the PNRA, for external campaigns, naval and underwater activities, helicopter and aircraft operations, weather forecasts and completion of the landing strip on land, contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the expedition.
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