Third time to the ice for Manawatū cargo handling specialist

A Movement Operator with 5^th Movements Company, Royal New Zealand Army Logistics Regiment, she spends her days at McMurdo Station as a cargo handling specialist. 

As part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s annual commitment to Antarctica New Zealand programmes, she’s one of around 100 New Zealand Defence Force personnel who work on the continent at McMurdo Station and New Zealand’s Scott Base for periods ranging from two weeks to six months, depending on their role.

The work Lance Corporal Jensen does plays a pivotal role in the offload of supply ships arriving at McMurdo Sound. 

“When the containers are being craned off the ship we stabilise them with tag lines (ropes attached to the corner of the containers) and control their rotation on their decent,” she said. 

“Once they are on the ground we undo all the slings attached to the crane, and then for loading the ship it’s just the same process but in reverse.”

Operators work 12-hour shifts from 6am - 6pm.

“The day-to-day pace changes depending on what is coming off the ship. The 20ft containers are quick and easy but there are some complicated ones on board that take a little longer, such as vehicles,” she said.

Lance Corporal Jensen said Antarctica is an interesting environment to work in. 

“Getting used to the different style of how other nations operate and run day-to-day is the main thing – it can take a few days to align.

“Being on an American base, we learn and adapt to how they operate. Weight is in pounds not kilograms and having left-hand drive vehicles has been a bit of a culture shock.” 

She said the opportunity to make and meet friends from around the world makes it well worth being in the cold. 

Lance Corporal Jensen attended Mt Biggs Primary School and Fielding High School. Now 28, the opportunity to see places like Antarctica was a big motivation when she joined the New Zealand Army in 2022.

“I didn’t want a nine-to-five job; I wanted to be challenged. I also wanted to work for an organisation that helped people in bad situations like disaster events. My grandfather was also in the Army and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“You can never get bored down in Antarctica. There is so much going on from sightseeing, activities, walks and getting to explore the environment and see penguins and seals.” 

And what is the best thing about the ice, apart from the opportunity to work in one of the harshest environments in the world? The pizza that’s available 24 hours a day. 

“The pizza here is honestly the best in the world.”

Read our 'Antarctica - Our 70-year legacy' feature.(external link)