Operation Pacer Goose 2008 Published Sept. 9, 2008 By Capt. Jeremy Denman 821st Support Squadron THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- After navigating through fields of icebergs June 30, the Sea Bird emerged from fog at Thule, home of the world's northernmost deepwater port, more than 700 miles inside the Arctic Circle. The ship's arrival formally opened the 30-day Arctic port season and kicked off the annual resupply mission known as Operation Pacer Goose. This season saw the arrival and departure of three cargo ships and two tankers. The number of tankers for this year signified an increase from the 2007 port season, as the base doubled up on fuel in expectation of a pier repair project slated to begin in June 2009. Lt. Col. Dayton Nooner III, 821st Support Squadron commander, reflected on this year's successful 'Pacer Goose' operations. "Pacer Goose presents the only opportunity for Thule to be resupplied with essential fuel and cargo necessary to sustain operations," Colonel Nooner said. "The short, two-month window available to handle incoming ships requires precise planning and foresight. Numerous organizations came together this port season to safely deliver 1.6 million pounds of cargo and 15 million gallons of fuel at the Department of Defense's northernmost installation."