Interview of Ross R. Hatch by Dian O. Belanger

• Main Author: Hatch, Ross R.
• Other Authors: Belanger, Dian Olson, 1941-
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: Byrd Polar Research Center Archival Program 2009
• Subjects: United States. Navy > Ice breaking operations > Interviews; United States. Navy > Communication systems > Interviews; Operation Deep Freeze; Oral history; Arctic regions > Discovery and exploration > Interviews; Polar regions > Discovery and exploration > Interviews; Antarctica > Discovery and exploration > Interviews; Hatch; Ross R. > Interviews; Arctic; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Bellingshausen Sea; Antarc*; Antarctica; Icebreaker
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1811/36722

The Antarctic Deep Freeze oral history project was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and supported by the Antarctic Deep Freeze Association. The original paper copies and unaltered tapes have been deposited in the library of the National Science Foundation. Ross Hatch served on the Glacier during Operations Deep Freeze 60 and 61, just following the IGY. Then the newest, largest, and most powerful icebreaker, the ship also carried and supported scientists. As Operations Officer, Hatch had charge of communications, radar, ham radio and other electronic systems and the technicians who maintained and operated them. The loose guidance of the mission and the opportunities for exploring and self-direction proved appealing and rewarding. Getting stuck in ice in the Bellingshausen Sea for fifteen days in 1961 brought thoughts of wintering over. Fortunately, the ship's rounded hull would probably have escaped damage. The Glacier also rescued other beset vessels. National Science Foundation Antarctic Deep Freeze Association