Douglas R5D-3 "Operation Deep Freeze"

The United States and the Soviet Union recognized the strategic value of the Antarctic region in the mid 1950s. Possible inter-continental flight over the South Pole made research of these desolate un-explored regions necessary to determine the suitability for establishing permanent bases for radar and scientific exploration. The US Navy R-5D served with several operations that flew over and flew to the South Pole during which on at least one occasion included the distinguished Admiral Richard Byrd. Includes high visibility markings of VX-6 Puckered Penguins as operated in 1957 for mapping and exploration of the South Pole.