Mawson station is the end of the line when it comes to Antarctic stations and associated AAD services, so the resupply of the station and crew change over this past week is never taken for granted. To put simply, it’s a bloody long way from Australia, and we only get here once a year, so making it count is really important.
The first thing to note is how committed and engaged everyone is to getting the job done. Voyage management set the pace, while the station resources of the 77th outgoing and 78th incoming juggle their handovers with cargo movements, rosters, fuel delivery and all the hectic energy that goes with that. But its performed safely and with precision which is testament to the professionalism of all involved.
The human energy expended to run the station, run the ship and run all the activities between is considerable and we are grateful for every contributor throughout the logistics chain for making it happen. Optimism is also high that we will achieve 100% of our objectives, particularly due to the weather gods being particularly kind. Its windy, but manageable, its cold, but it is summer and we’re all tired, but we can see the end.
The “end” ironically is our start. For the 77th ANARE the end is the point they put their heads on the pillows in their Nuyina cabin and start the 15 day voyage back to Hobart and loved ones. We have a debt of gratitude to express to the outgoing team who have briefed us well, being custodians of this station for 12 months and set us up for success with their positive attitudes and willingness to share. Their stories and experiences are sources of motivation and validation that we are so very lucky to be here and most definitely in a place that will exceed all our expectations of being an Antarctic expeditioner.
To Ali Dean the outgoing Station Leader, thank you! Your generosity is matched by your determination and quality leadership. I’m lucky to have been guided by you over the past few months and we are all beneficiaries of your experience, wisdom and sense of humour.
Our journeys continue.
