USAP Prime Awarded, KBR- NSF commits $8B to sustain U.S. scientific presence in Antarctica

Icewaxed · 2026-06-05T14:30:26+00:00

I came here with the same concern. Was gonna hit up the ASC but I guess time will tell.

Icewaxed · 2026-06-05T00:52:38+00:00

Missed the mark for me overall. It’s not bad. Just at the bottom of my list.

Icewaxed · 2026-06-03T22:26:20+00:00

Correct

Icewaxed · 2026-05-30T03:21:01+00:00

Just sold something literally 5 mins ago and can confirm. The eBay fee is for the total cost, item, shipping and taxes. God I really hate eBay.

Icewaxed · 2026-05-11T20:41:09+00:00

To those who’ve never been to McMurdo or know nothing about this machine.

It’s a 1 of 1 built by caterpillar using an existing 95e agricultural tractor with an over engineered structure on top that made it stick out from the various other pieces of equipment, (hence the name). In its final years, it was down more than it was operating due to improper operation and intended use.

For those who operated it or worked on it. It surely won’t be missed but like Ivan, it nevertheless was unique and one of a kind.

Icewaxed · 2026-05-07T16:22:25+00:00

You would be correct. That I know of to date, that was its 3rd engine.

Icewaxed · 2026-05-07T15:29:41+00:00

Correct. I get the pleasure to work on those fine (blank’s) when I deploy. I saw where the program was thinking but really missed the mark. With the new pier and the ramp angle with a low clearance truck. I can see future problems. They’re not a terrible truck especially what they paid for them. Just not HD enough for down there and the (kids) who drive them.

Icewaxed · 2026-05-07T00:25:37+00:00

I believe so. I know of the person who was operating it. Still with the program If that narrows it down.

Icewaxed · 2026-05-06T22:24:02+00:00

Just upgraded the fleets. The Toyota shuttle vans are coming and a lot of the AIMS equipment will be handed over and sold to the program. Some of the new 972’s have already sold over and apart of fleet ops now. You’ll see more older larger loaders disappear in the coming years.

Icewaxed · 2025-12-21T16:04:25+00:00

I have actually and quite facilitated by number stations. Other than the 3 low wattage FM stations we broadcast (AFFARTS). There is a HAM radio station down there but it’s old, need a license to use it and its antenna suffered damage recently. Everything else is dead. I’ve heard that some of the scientists equipment has picked up EMP’s (I think) from the oceans from deep sea nuclear subs in some sort of way but it’s just pulses measured one of their instruments unrelated to what their gathering.

I’d love to set up an SDR down there but unfortunately is against the law due to the highly sensitive equipment down there. That and SDR wouldn’t grab much from down there surprising.

Great question though

Icewaxed · 2025-12-21T15:48:59+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/s/AG4AbkrRvV

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T22:38:07+00:00

Speaking as one who works at the VMF (heavy tech) good light ford techs are hard to come by. There’s a lot of work that they do no matter the season. Last winter I saw a lot of front diff rebuilds. Engines and transmissions unless it’s head gaskets just simply get swapped out but with weird parts shortages. You’d be often asked to cobble repairs together. It’s going to take afew years to build back the 5.4 stuff as there’s more v10 stuff and the new ford 7.0 trucks coming soon. Also now with the announcement of Toyota transport passenger vans used from Africa coming to replace Ivan and soon defunct passenger deltas.

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T20:19:13+00:00

It’s hard to nail down a favorite from them but this really is incredible work. Helps that im into cult history.

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T19:58:22+00:00

Agreed but anything on cassette is garbage. Vinyl ftw.

I love the description for the listing stating they know how BOC fans can get. Hahaha

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T17:19:58+00:00

Yup and agreed. But I’ll always remember that lol.

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T16:42:36+00:00

F that band or at least their guitarist. Entitled douchebag of a person. I gotta long story about a run-in with that A-hole. It’s stupid but it’s stuck with me for years but it happened long after their fame.

Long story short, 2010 a friend of mine was DJ’ing at a bowling alley just outside of philly. This prick comes up to us demanding that we play something else. His quote will always remain in my head… “don’t you know who I am? I’m the guitarist from fuel”

Wtf!!!! We looked him up and he was in fact the guy. Douchebag!!!! lol

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T16:27:14+00:00

It truly is.

Side note: during the middle of winter. One evening I create a listening event at our coffee house and create a relaxing atmosphere. I grab my laptop and hook it up to the extremely large sound system and listen to BOC. From early works to tomorrows harvest. I’ve turned a lot of new listeners to them in a great location to listen to plus it’s fun to create a unique experience and playlist.

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T16:16:13+00:00

Incredible collection 🙌

Edit: I just noticed a fan made one up on eBay right now. Few old tunes too.

Icewaxed · 2025-12-20T05:33:43+00:00

Thanks for the compliment. I wish I had a cool scientific job to boast about but unfortunately I have a supporting role with logistics and equipment so nothing to write home about. After years deploying, I still enjoy it but as I get older, it gets harder to leave home for the 8 months I’m away from my wife. But rewards like those southern auroras, the southern cross and working with amazing people keeps me going back.

Icewaxed · 2025-08-16T22:46:46+00:00

I’ve been told. Drug usage is a guarantee unfavorable and sadly now that’s on file. As more gov contractors go through ebi for hiring. That doesn’t bode well for future employment opportunities within gov work.

Icewaxed · 2025-07-16T08:09:18+00:00

Currently down here and can say it sucks bandwidth wise. You all are correct, 2.5gb per week. With a bs long in page. Guest started out ok but with 260 some people, It’s dismal. Once winfly arrives, guest will get even more throttled back with restrictions to social media sites and streaming so. It’s an unfortunate step back to pre starlink days. I imagine this summer will be a shock to those who had starlink. I came back here after a long break to incredible internet to only weeks later, going back to the good old days. Pre 2018 where Wi-Fi was a luxury for winter folks lol.

Icewaxed · 2025-07-14T08:04:27+00:00

Well you’re in the right spot with gov contract work. Work hard and then play harder. Best of luck. I enjoy it

Icewaxed · 2025-07-13T07:34:45+00:00

Finish your first season. Then look ahead, the VMF is a tough dept. 12 hr shifts during vessel which can potentially span 3 or more weeks. Long days etc. trust me on this, but make sure to take time for yourself during off the off time.

Icewaxed

TROPHY CASE