Operation Highjump

Just after World War II, the U.S. sent thousands of troops to Antarctica for
"training" and "reconnaissance" — but speculation about the mission's true purpose has swirled ever since.

Operation Highjump, launched in 1946, was a U.S. naval expedition to Antarctica led by Rear Admirals Richard E. Byrd and Richard H. Cruzen.

Its objectives were to train military personnel in extreme conditions,
claim territory, establish a U.S. base, evaluate airfield usability on ice, and gather geological data.

The operation involved 70 ships, 13 aircraft, and over 4,700 personnel, making it the largest military Antarctic expedition in history.