In July, Schuyler Line Navigation Company, LLC (SLNC) performed the annual Thule Air Base resupply mission: Operation Pacer Goose 2016. The resupply mission was a collaborative effort between SLNC and Military Sealift Command.
Thule Air Base is the United States Air Force’s northernmost base, located roughly 1500 km from the North Pole and more than 1200 km north of the Arctic Circle. The base only receives one delivery per year of cargo and supplies from the United States.
SLNC Corsica was used for the mission, departing Norfolk, VA and arriving in Thule on July 16, 2016.
In addition to transporting critical cargo for the military base, the Corsica also had the unique privilege of transporting a new radio telescope that will be used to study black holes. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have been collaborating on a project to triangulate telescopes in Hawaii, Chile and now in Thule in an effort to create an ultra powerful telescope capable of capturing proof of black holes.
SLNC took great care to ensure that this telescope arrived at the destination in pristine condition. Prior to the voyage, the telescope had to be meticulously deconstructed, tested, and reconstructed to ensure that it would be able to withstand both the voyage and the harsh environment in Greenland.
Operation Pacer Goose 2016 Timelapse
For more information about past projects, click here.