Byrd Station

Byrd Station
Sleds pulled by snowmobiles or dogs provided transportation between camps around 1960
Byrd Station
Location in Antarctica
Coordinates: 80°00′53″S 119°33′56″W / 80.0147°S 119.5656°W / -80.0147; -119.5656
RegionMarie Byrd Land
Established1 January 1957 (1957-01-01)
Abandoned2005 (2005)
Named afterRichard E. Byrd
Government
 • TypeAdministration
 • BodyUnited States Navy
Elevation
1,553 m (5,095 ft)
Active timesAll year-round until 1972, every summer until 2005

The Byrd Station is a former research station established by the United States during the International Geophysical Year (1957) by U.S. Navy Seabees during Operation Deep Freeze II in West Antarctica. It was a year-round base until 1972, and then seasonal up to 2005. The station is located on the West Antarctic ice cap. It was accessible by overland ice traverse or by ski-equipped C-130 aircraft.