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Climbing the Seven Summits

  • Published
  • By Maj. Rob Marshall
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Bell Helicopter
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Step-by-step, we trek up the mountain, our snow shoes biting into the slope. An early spring storm brought three days of fresh snow, turning a hike into a snowshoe ascent. The slope we walk is steep since we are aiming directly for the top, avoiding the slower zig-zags most people take. Even though it's hard work, everyone is smiling, because each of us can sense the summit is near.

Going through Air Force basic training 14 years ago, I never imagined it would lead to me being part of such an undertaking. Nevertheless, here I was halfway around the world with five other Airmen, lucky enough to be part of this historic and exciting hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia, Oct. 3, 2011.

This international outing was part of a much larger project called the U.S. Air Force 7 Summits Challenge. An unofficial program, the goal of this group is for Airmen to take U.S. Air Force and American flags to the top of each continent's highest peak. If successful America will be the first country to have a team of military members reach the top of all the famous Seven Summits.

Climbing the Seven Summits is considered the "grand-slam" of mountain climbing. It's estimated that fewer than 300 people have reached all seven peaks, which include: North America's Mount McKinley (20,320 feet), South America's Mount Aconcagua (22,840 feet), Europe's Mount Elbrus (18,481 feet), Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet), Australia's Mount Kosciuszko (7,310 feet), Antarctica's Mount Vinson (16,067 feet) and Asia's Mount Everest (29,029 feet).

We didn't have to worry about technical skills because there were no crevasses, fall hazards, or vertical climbing. As the team came together we reviewed safety issues such as proper clothing and gear for a wide range of weather. While we didn't need all the gear we carried, a key principle we adhere to is taking enough equipment and supplies to deal with the worst case scenario.

To physically prepare for our hike in Australia, we focused on basic fitness. I found going to the gym three times a week, doing a mixture of cardio and weights, was more than adequate. However, our previous five peaks have been far more demanding. For those climbs, we've used a wide variety of training methods, including dragging heavy weights to simulate the use of a sled and wearing heavy backpacks while walking up and down fire escape stairs. Thanks to the great gyms available to Airmen and the Fit-to-Fight program, our Airmen are always among the fittest on any mountain.

On this climb, we were especially lucky to have Australian Defense Force members join us. In today's world of multinational forces, we thought it would be great to climb with counterparts from our host nation. The word spread through the ADF and soon we had six Australian air force and army members with us. Seeing the Australians carry their flag next to ours as we went up was a reminder of the great history our two nations share and the benefits of working with militaries around the world.

With a warm sun and blue skies urging us on, this multinational group of military members laughed, joked and perspired up to the summit. The views of the beautiful Snowy Mountains expanded the higher we went. Soon there was nothing above except wispy clouds and deep blue sky. When we reached the top it was time to celebrate. For many, this was the first mountain they had stood atop. It's a great feeling to push your boundaries and accomplish such a feat!

Once at the top, we proudly displayed the American and U.S. Air Force flag; the red, white, and blue colors a stark contrast to the snow covered mountains surrounding us. After the Australians brought their flags out, we came together for group photos. Next, a few of us did 50 pushups on the summit to highlight our commitment to good personal fitness and to honor service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since the beginning of the War on Terror. On each of the past summits, team members have done pushups, setting what is thought to be a record number of high-altitude pushups on three of the mountaintops.

Descending from Mount Kosciuszko was the highlight of my trip. Capt. Graydon Muller, 6th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., and I took our skis to the summit. Once the rest of the team had begun their trek downhill with snowshoes, we set off on skis for a beautiful descent through fresh
spring snow. The U.S. Air Force and American flags rippled in the breeze as they flew from poles attached to our packs. It always makes me smile to see the stars and stripes flying strongly in the wind and on this day I was grinning from ear to ear.

We descended toward the valley below, high-fiving and congratulating each other's accomplishments. The sense of unity we created in just a day is so typical of military members. This may have been the challenge's shortest climb, but it shared the same level of camaraderie and pride as any other trip.

Now we prepare for the "big one", Mount Everest. The past six climbs were 100 percent successful - proof that we are experienced and prepared for our final summit. While it may be a demanding challenge, the combination of our Air Force training and personal drive means the sky is the limit. We are ready and excited to take the U.S. Air Force to the top of the world!

To learn more or get involved in the U.S. Air Force 7 Summit Challenge, please visit our Facebook page or e-mail usaf7summits@gmail.com.

(U.S. Air Force 7 Summit Challenge climbers use personal funds and annual leave to accomplish their climbs. They are not officially sponsored by the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense)

The author, Maj. Rob Marshall, is a CV-22 Osprey functional test pilot at a
production plant in Amarillo, Texas.

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