In 1946, the Navy sent 4700 men to Antarctica for, what they claimed, was a training mission that would prepare them for battle in extreme temperatures. But after three months the operation was shut down, sparking rumors that the mission was a cover up for something else entirely – like finding a hidden Nazi base or a civilization at the center of the earth.

A Navy helicopter surveys Antarctica’s terrain during Operation Highjump

A Navy helicopter surveys Antarctica’s terrain during Operation Highjump, courtesy of The National Museum of Aviation and AllThatsInteresting.com
Admiral Byrd in Antarctica during Operation Highjump

Admiral Byrd in Antarctica during Operation Highjump courtesy of the US Navy and the National Science Foundation and AllThatsInteresting.com
Navy cameraman brought out to film parts of the expedition.

Navy cameraman brought out to film parts of the expedition. Courtesy of AllThatsInterest.com

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