Troy Shoemaker

The Naval Support Force Antarctica (NSFA) was a United States Navy unit established in 1955 to provide logistical, operational, and construction support for Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. mission in Antarctica. Headquartered at McMurdo Station, the NSFA managed sea and air logistics, constructed and maintained research facilities, and supported scientific expeditions across the continent. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining year-round access to Antarctica, enabling critical scientific research during the Cold War and beyond. The NSFA was deactivated in 1998, with its duties transferred to civilian agencies under the National Science Foundation.

USS Champion (MCM-4) is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1991. Designed for the detection, classification, and neutralization of moored and bottom naval mines, she has played a vital role in ensuring safe passage for allied vessels in potentially mined waters. Throughout her service, Champion participated in numerous multinational exercises and operations, including deployments in the Persian Gulf during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Known for her advanced mine-hunting capabilities and wooden hull construction, USS Champion exemplified the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maritime security and mine warfare until her decommissioning in 2020.