Nazi UFO Base in Antarctica: The Truth Behind Operation Highjump
Operation Highjump remains one of the most intriguing military expeditions of the post-World War II era. Launched in August 1946, it represented the largest armed naval task force ever deployed to Antarctica, led by the decorated Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd. While officially described as a scientific research mission, the impressive scale of military resources—including 13 ships, an aircraft carrier with numerous planes, destroyers, and an attack submarine—suggests more complex objectives than mere weather studies and personnel training.
The expedition's sudden termination after just 40 days, despite being planned for 6-8 months, has fueled decades of speculation. Admiral Byrd's subsequent concerning statements to Chilean media about potential aerial threats capable of pole-to-pole movement at incredible speeds added to the mystery. Following his return to Washington and a thorough debriefing, Byrd never again publicly discussed Operation Highjump, and all mission details were classified as top secret—leaving questions that continue to captivate researchers and historians today.
Key Takeaways
Operation Highjump deployed an unusually large armed naval force to Antarctica in 1946 under Admiral Richard E. Byrd's command.
The expedition was abruptly terminated after only 40 days despite being planned for a much longer duration.
Admiral Byrd made concerning statements about potential aerial threats following the mission before being silenced after his return to Washington.
Historical Context of Operation Highjump
Operation Highjump began in August 1946 as the largest naval expedition ever deployed to Antarctica. Led by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, the mission officially claimed to focus on scientific research and military training in extreme cold conditions. The impressive naval force included nearly 5,000 personnel, 13 ships including an aircraft carrier, destroyers, icebreakers, an attack submarine, and numerous aircraft.
Admiral Byrd was exceptionally qualified to lead such an ambitious expedition. By age 41, he had become the youngest admiral in Navy history and accumulated 22 citations and commendations, including the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Flying Cross, and Silver Life-Saving Medal. His decorated career made him the natural choice for this important mission.
Despite its stated scientific objectives, the expedition carried substantial military firepower that seemed excessive for research purposes. The unofficial goals allegedly included extending American sovereignty over Antarctic territory and investigating rumors of a secret Nazi facility known as Base 211, established during World War II.
The Nazi connection to Antarctica began in December 1938 when the SS Schwabenland embarked on a classified mission to the continent. This expedition included scientists, engineers, and reportedly members of the Thule Society, a German occultist group. According to accounts, they mapped extensive areas and discovered an "Antarctic oasis" - a 300 square mile region free of ice with warm water, possibly created by geothermal activity.
This location allegedly became the site of Base 211, which evolved from an offensive military installation into a potential refuge as Germany's war fortunes declined. In the final months of WWII, equipment, supplies, and personnel were purportedly transferred there while many Nazi officials escaped to South America, particularly Argentina.
Hans Kammler, who oversaw Hitler's secret weapons program, vanished in April 1945 along with one of only two JU390 long-range aircraft capable of flying over 4,000 miles. Months later, numerous UFO sightings were reported across South America, fueling speculation about advanced Nazi technology being tested from Antarctica.
Operation Highjump arrived at Antarctica on January 15, establishing a base called "Little America." Mysteriously, the mission was abruptly terminated after just 40 days instead of the planned 6-8 months. Upon the task force's return to Chile, Admiral Byrd made several concerning statements to the press about potential aerial threats that could move "from pole to pole at incredible speeds."
Following his return to Washington, Byrd was extensively debriefed and never spoke publicly about Operation Highjump again. The mission was classified top secret, with severe penalties for personnel who discussed it. The Navy acknowledged some casualties but attributed them to accidents without specifying numbers.
Richard E. Byrd's Exceptional Naval Career
Richard E. Byrd stands as one of the most distinguished officers in U.S. naval history, achieving remarkable milestones throughout his military service. At just 41 years old, he became the youngest admiral in the history of the Navy, an accomplishment that speaks to his extraordinary leadership abilities.
His decorations were extensive and impressive. Byrd received 22 citations and commendations during his career, including the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Flying Cross, and Silver Life-Saving Medal. Nine of these awards recognized his bravery, while two specifically acknowledged his extraordinary heroism.
The admiral's reputation for excellence made him the natural choice to lead significant military operations. When the U.S. needed a commander for challenging missions in polar regions, Byrd's credentials made him the obvious selection.
In January 1947, Byrd commanded Operation High Jump, a massive naval deployment to Antarctica. This expedition included nearly 5,000 personnel aboard 13 ships, including an aircraft carrier, two destroyers, various support vessels, and an attack submarine. The task force carried substantial weaponry and equipment.
While publicly described as a training and research mission, the operation faced unexpected challenges. Originally planned to last 6-8 months, it was terminated after only 40 days. Following the mission, Byrd expressed concerns about potential aerial threats from polar regions, speaking of flying objects capable of extraordinary speeds.
After returning to Washington and undergoing debriefing, Byrd's public statements about Operation High Jump ceased entirely. Mission details were classified top secret, and participants were strictly forbidden from discussing their experiences.
Operation Highjump's Strategic Aims
Operation Highjump, which began in August 1946, represented the largest naval expedition ever deployed to Antarctica. Led by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, one of the most decorated officers in naval history, the mission officially claimed to focus on scientific research and military training in extreme cold conditions. The reality, however, was far more complex.
Territorial Claims in Antarctica
The United States government sought to establish a stronger presence in Antarctica despite public denials of territorial ambitions. A primary objective of Operation Highjump was to extend American sovereignty over portions of the Antarctic continent. This geopolitical strategy aimed at securing strategic advantages in the post-World War II global landscape.
The impressive scale of the operation—nearly 5,000 personnel aboard 13 ships including an aircraft carrier, destroyers, tankers, icebreakers, and a submarine—far exceeded what would be necessary for routine training or scientific work. This substantial military presence hinted at the territorial aspirations underlying the mission.
Neutralizing Alleged German Base
Intelligence reports suggested that Nazi Germany had established a secret underground facility called Base 211 in Antarctica. According to these accounts, the base was constructed in an ice-free "oasis" approximately 150 miles inland from the Antarctic coast. This area, spanning roughly 300 square miles, reportedly contained warm water and vegetation due to geothermal activity.
The facility allegedly evolved from an offensive military installation to a refuge for Nazi personnel as Germany's defeat became inevitable. In the final months of World War II, equipment, supplies, and key personnel were reportedly transferred to Antarctica. American military leaders considered the potential threat of a surviving Nazi outpost concerning enough to warrant investigation and possible neutralization.
Recovery of Advanced Aviation Technology
Perhaps the most controversial objective involved locating and securing alleged advanced aircraft developed by Nazi engineers. Hans Kammler, who oversaw Hitler's secret weapons programs, disappeared in April 1945 along with a prototype long-range aircraft. Military intelligence linked this disappearance to numerous UFO sightings reported across South America in subsequent months.
The expedition ended abruptly after just 40 days instead of the planned 6-8 months. Upon arriving in Chile, Admiral Byrd made alarming statements to the press about potential aerial threats capable of "moving from pole to pole at incredible speeds." Following debriefing in Washington, the mission was classified top secret, and Byrd never spoke publicly about Operation Highjump again.
Conspiracy Theories and Secret Missions
Operation High Jump began in August 1946 as the largest armed naval expedition ever deployed to Antarctica. Leading this massive undertaking was Admiral Richard E. Byrd, one of the most decorated officers in naval history. While officially described as a scientific and training mission, many believe the true purposes were far more secretive.
Admiral Byrd's credentials were impeccable, making him the perfect choice for such a sensitive mission:
Became rear admiral by age 41 (youngest in Navy history)
Recipient of the Medal of Honor
Awarded the Navy Cross and Flying Cross
Received 22 citations and commendations
Recognized 9 times for bravery and twice for extraordinary heroism
The expedition's scale was enormous - nearly 5,000 personnel aboard 13 ships including an aircraft carrier, two destroyers, and an attack submarine. This force carried extensive weaponry, suggesting objectives beyond simple scientific research.
Evidence points to two unofficial goals: establishing American sovereignty over Antarctic territory and locating a rumored Nazi facility called Base 211. This underground complex allegedly housed German scientific operations, potentially including advanced aircraft technology.
The Nazi interest in Antarctica began in December 1938 when the SS Schwabenland embarked on a classified mission. This expedition included scientists, engineers, and members of the Thule Society, a German occultist group believing in an advanced Aryan race living inside a hollow Earth accessible via the South Pole.
Aerial reconnaissance reportedly discovered an "Antarctic oasis" - an ice-free area of approximately 300 square miles with warm water and plant life. This location, heated by geothermal vents, provided an ideal setting for the rumored Base 211.
As World War II progressed and Germany faced defeat, the facility supposedly evolved from an offensive structure into an escape destination. Hans Kammler, who oversaw Hitler's secret weapons program, disappeared in April 1945 along with a long-range JU390 aircraft. Months later, UFO sightings increased dramatically across South America.
Operation High Jump's curious timeline raises questions. Originally planned as a 6-8 month mission, it was abruptly terminated after just 40 days. The task force withdrew to Chile, where Admiral Byrd made alarming statements to the press.
Byrd warned about potential aerial attacks on the United States by flying objects capable of pole-to-pole travel at incredible speeds. He expressed urgent concern about defensive measures against "hostile forces" in polar regions. Shortly after these public statements, Byrd was debriefed in Washington and never spoke of the mission again.
The operation was classified top secret, with sailors threatened with imprisonment for discussing it. The Navy acknowledged some casualties but attributed them to accidents. During one flight, Admiral Byrd experienced an unexplained three-hour disappearance, officially blamed on radio failure.
Nazi Antarctic Expedition
Secret Mission of the SS Schwabenland
In December 1938, as war loomed on the horizon, Hitler allocated substantial resources toward locating ancient artifacts believed to possess extraordinary powers. The SS Schwabenland departed on December 17, 1938, embarking on a classified Antarctic mission. The vessel carried not only scientists and engineers but also members of the Thule Society, a German occultist organization. The ship reached Antarctic shores approximately one month later, and over the following three weeks, the expedition mapped hundreds of thousands of square miles of the continent.
Aerial reconnaissance discovered a remarkable area about 150 miles inland - an ice-free "oasis" spanning approximately 300 square miles. This region featured warm waters and vegetation, sustained by geothermal vents beneath the surface that maintained relatively mild temperatures. These conditions made it an ideal location for establishing a hidden facility.
Thule Society and the Hollow Earth
The Thule Society held unusual beliefs about Earth's structure and its inhabitants. They were convinced that an advanced race of human-like beings called Aryans existed deep within the planet, with the entrance to their domain located at the South Pole.
The society's influence on the Antarctic expedition was significant, as one of the undisclosed objectives was to establish contact with these supposed hollow Earth dwellers. The mission aimed to:
Locate the entrance to the inner world
Make contact with the advanced Aryan civilization
Negotiate access to their superior technology
These esoteric beliefs, while lacking scientific foundation, significantly influenced the expedition's goals and may have contributed to Germany's interest in establishing a permanent presence in Antarctica.
Construction of Base 211
Following the discovery of the ice-free area, the Nazis established what would become known as Base 211. Throughout World War II, this underground facility expanded into a complex nearly the size of a small city. The base was initially designed as an offensive installation, housing U-boats and missile systems.
As Germany's military fortunes declined, Base 211's purpose evolved into a potential escape location. During the war's final months:
Massive quantities of equipment, supplies and personnel were transported to Antarctica
Thousands of Nazis evaded capture by fleeing to South America, particularly Argentina
High-ranking officials like Hans Kamler, who led Hitler's secret weapons program, disappeared
Kamler controlled one of only two prototype JU390 long-range supply planes, which had a range exceeding 4,000 miles. By April 1945, both Kamler and his aircraft had vanished without a trace. Shortly thereafter, South America experienced thousands of UFO sightings, fueling American concerns that German scientists continued their advanced weapons development from this hidden Antarctic facility.
Post-World War II Military Ventures
Nazi Migration to Latin America
Following World War II, thousands of Nazi officials and sympathizers fled Europe to escape prosecution for war crimes. Argentina became a primary destination, offering sanctuary through established networks and sympathetic government officials. The migration was well-organized, utilizing "ratlines" - secret escape routes that facilitated travel through Italy and Spain before crossing the Atlantic.
Many high-ranking officers established new identities in South American communities, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay. These countries attracted Nazi fugitives due to their political climate and substantial German immigrant populations that provided cover for new arrivals.
The Mysterious Case of Hans Kammler
SS General Hans Kammler, who oversaw Hitler's advanced weapons programs, vanished in April 1945 as Allied forces closed in on Germany. His disappearance remains one of the most puzzling mysteries of the post-war period.
Kammler controlled significant technological assets:
The Ju390 long-range aircraft (range exceeding 4,000 miles)
V-2 rocket production facilities
Various experimental weapons projects
Unlike other Nazi officials whose fates were documented, Kammler and his specially-equipped aircraft simply disappeared. Neither his body nor definitive proof of his death was ever found, fueling speculation about his escape. His expertise in advanced technology made him valuable to any nation seeking military advantage in the emerging Cold War.
Aerial Phenomena Reports in South America
The late 1940s saw a remarkable surge in unidentified flying object reports across South America. These sightings shared distinctive characteristics:
Time Period Key Features Geographic Concentration 1946-1947 High-speed maneuvers Argentina, Chile 1947-1948 Disc-shaped craft Brazil, Uruguay 1948-1950 Unprecedented aerial capabilities Widespread throughout continent
In January 1947, Admiral Richard Byrd, following his Antarctic expedition, made several troubling statements to Chilean press about potential threats from "flying objects capable of traveling pole to pole at incredible speeds." His warnings specifically mentioned the possibility of attacks against the United States by previously unknown aerial technology.
The timing of these phenomena coincided with Operation Highjump, a massive U.S. naval deployment to Antarctica that was abruptly terminated after just 40 days instead of its planned 6-8 month duration. The expedition included:
13 naval vessels including an aircraft carrier
Nearly 5,000 military personnel
Substantial aerial reconnaissance capabilities
After returning from Antarctica, Admiral Byrd was debriefed in Washington, and following this meeting, he never spoke publicly about the expedition's findings again.
Deployment Strategy of Antarctic Naval Mission
Military Force Organization
Operation Highjump began in August 1946 as an unprecedented naval deployment to Antarctica. The expedition featured nearly 5,000 personnel aboard 13 vessels, creating the largest and most heavily armed naval force ever sent to the southern continent. Admiral Richard E. Byrd commanded this impressive fleet, bringing his exceptional credentials to the mission. His military distinctions included the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Flying Cross, and Silver Life-Saving Medal. Byrd had accumulated 22 citations throughout his career, with nine specifically recognizing his bravery.
The naval group arrived at Antarctica on January 15th and promptly established their primary outpost called Little America. Despite initial plans for a six to eight-month deployment, the mission was unexpectedly terminated after just 40 days. The fleet retreated to Chilean ports, where rumors immediately circulated about unusual discoveries and incidents that had forced their early withdrawal.
Weaponry and Public Narrative
The expedition's armament was extensive and seemingly disproportionate to its stated objectives. The fleet included:
An advanced aircraft carrier loaded with numerous planes
Multiple bombers and helicopters
Two destroyer vessels
Several tankers and supply ships
Multiple icebreaker vessels
Two heavily armed seaplanes
An attack submarine
This formidable arsenal contradicted the mission's publicly declared purpose. The government maintained that Operation Highjump aimed to train personnel in cold-weather conditions, test equipment in extreme environments, explore Antarctic geology, study weather patterns, and develop techniques for establishing polar air bases.
Upon the mission's return, Admiral Byrd spoke with media representatives in Chile. His statements suggested concerns far beyond scientific exploration. He warned about potential aerial attacks on the United States and emphasized the need for defensive preparations against "hostile forces" in polar regions. Byrd specifically mentioned the threat of flying objects capable of pole-to-pole movement at remarkable speeds.
After returning to Washington, Byrd underwent intensive debriefing. Though he had previously spoken openly about the mission, he maintained complete silence about Operation Highjump following this interrogation. The entire mission was classified as top secret, with severe penalties for personnel who discussed any details.
Operation Highjump's Unexpected Conclusion
Sudden Mission Halt
Operation Highjump, the largest naval expedition ever sent to Antarctica, began in August 1946 under the command of Admiral Richard E. Byrd. The mission included nearly 5,000 personnel, 13 ships (including an aircraft carrier), numerous aircraft, and substantial military equipment. Despite being planned as a six to eight-month expedition, the operation was abruptly terminated after only 40 days.
On January 15, the armada arrived and established "Little America" base, but this massive undertaking was unexpectedly abandoned. The task force withdrew and retreated to Chile, leaving behind their established base and the original mission objectives. This premature termination raised significant questions about what the expedition had encountered.
Admiral Byrd's Concerning Statements
Upon returning to Chile, Admiral Byrd—a highly decorated naval officer with 22 citations and numerous commendations—made several alarming public statements. Rather than discussing scientific findings, he expressed deep concern about potential aerial threats to the United States.
In his press interviews, Byrd specifically warned:
The need for "immediate defensive measures against hostile forces" in polar regions
The possibility that "in case of a new war, the United States could be attacked by flying objects"
The existence of technology with "the ability to move from pole to pole at incredible speeds"
A "new enemy that could attack any country at any time anywhere"
These statements from such a respected military figure generated significant public interest. During the expedition, Admiral Byrd experienced an unexplained three-hour disappearance during one flight, officially attributed to radio failure.
Post-Expedition Secrecy
Following Admiral Byrd's return to Washington and subsequent debriefing, the entire Operation Highjump mission was classified as top secret. Despite his previous public statements, Byrd never spoke about the operation again after his interrogation in Washington.
The Navy imposed strict secrecy requirements:
Any sailor who discussed mission details faced arrest and imprisonment
Only a brief, sanitized summary of achievements was published
The Navy acknowledged some casualties but provided no specifics about numbers or causes
All deaths were officially categorized as "accidents"
Bodies were reportedly buried in Antarctica rather than returned home
This level of classification and silence surrounding what was ostensibly a scientific mission fueled speculation about what the expedition had actually encountered in Antarctica. The contrast between the initial public statements by Admiral Byrd and the subsequent complete information blackout remains a notable aspect of Operation Highjump's legacy.
Admiral Byrd's Antarctic Discoveries
The Unexplained Encounter
Admiral Richard E. Byrd, one of the most decorated naval officers in history, led Operation High Jump to Antarctica in 1946. This mission, which began in August, deployed nearly 5,000 personnel aboard 13 ships, including an aircraft carrier, destroyers, and submarines. Despite the official narrative of scientific exploration and military training, the expedition's heavy armament suggested other objectives.
During his flights over Antarctica, Byrd reportedly encountered aircraft with extraordinary capabilities. In statements to Chilean press after the mission's unexpected early termination, Byrd expressed serious concerns about potential aerial threats. He specifically mentioned "flying objects" with remarkable speed that could travel "from pole to pole" and potentially strike any nation without warning.
Byrd's statements were particularly alarming coming from such a credible source. As the youngest admiral in Navy history and recipient of 22 military citations including the Medal of Honor, his observations carried significant weight. The admiral's warnings appeared to reference technology far beyond what was publicly known to exist in 1946.
Mysterious Disappearance and Lost Time
During one reconnaissance flight, Admiral Byrd experienced a troubling incident that has fueled decades of speculation. According to records, he disappeared for approximately three hours - a significant period of "lost time" that was officially attributed to radio failure.
This unexplained gap occurred during Operation High Jump's activities near what some sources describe as an "Antarctic oasis" - an unusual ice-free region approximately 150 miles inland. The circumstances surrounding this disappearance remain unclear due to immediate classification of mission details.
The timeline of events raises questions:
January 15, 1947: Task force establishes "Little America" base in Antarctica
~February 1947: Byrd's unexplained disappearance occurs
February 25, 1947: Mission abruptly terminated after only 40 days
March 1947: Public statements about advanced aerial threats
Later March 1947: Byrd debriefed in Washington, never speaks publicly about mission again
Following extensive debriefing upon return to Washington, Admiral Byrd maintained complete silence about Operation High Jump for the remainder of his life. The Navy classified all mission details as top secret, with severe penalties for personnel who discussed their experiences.
