Beck's Blog--Fire Chief is all-weather Airman on duty in Antarctica Published April 12, 2011 By Senior Master Sgt. Ellen Hatfield 349th Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Although he's not there in his military capacity, but representing his civilian company, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Beck is combining his Air Force expertise with his civilian skills while serving way down under in Antarctica. The fire chief, with the 349th Civil Engineer Squadron, is on an eight month assignment to McMurdo Station for Raytheon Polar Services Company, from January to August. In direct contrast to the arrival of a warmer season in California, March heralded the arrival of winter in Antarctica. In an effort to keep both his brain and his body fit while on a remote, frozen station with about 150 winter inhabitants, Chief Beck continues to embrace his Air Force physical training and proficiency, while exercising his mind with writing about his experience. So sit back and enjoy Beck's Blog, and appreciate Spring as you read about life in the frozen land at the bottom of the world. Chief Beck's disclaimer: This blog reflects my observations and opinions. It is in no way to be construed as official information. The views expressed here are not the views of Raytheon Polar Services Company (RPSC), the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), the National Science Foundation (NSF), or any other entity acting in an official capacity in Antarctica.