In the frigid and desolate region of Antarctica, specifically at McMurdo Station, a remarkable tale unfolded during the transition from the harsh Antarctic winter to the frozen spring.
Amidst the relentless winds and perpetual darkness, a courageous and resourceful mechanic named Liz Monahon found herself in a dire situation.
Faced with the terrifying prospect of an individual who posed a genuine threat to her life, Liz decided to take matters into her own hands. If those in positions of authority were unwilling or unable to protect her, she resolved to protect herself.
With limited options for escape in the isolated and confined environment, Liz made a bold decision – she kept a hammer close by at all times.
This simple tool, either securely fastened to her Carhartt overalls or discreetly tucked into her sports bra, became her symbol of strength and determination. It served as a constant reminder that she alone was responsible for her safety and that she possessed the resilience to face any challenge head-on.
Monahon, with unwavering determination, recounts the intense situation he found himself in. His resolute words, spoken with a firmness that echoed his fierce spirit, revealed the unwavering resolve that fueled his actions. As he spoke, one could sense the raw determination that emanated from him, as he recounted the pivotal moment when he made a conscious decision to fight for his survival.
The sheer strength of his conviction was palpable, as he declared that if his adversary dared to approach him, he would not hesitate to unleash a flurry of punches, ready to defend himself at any cost.
In that moment, Monahon’s unwavering resolve became his armor, shielding him from the fear and uncertainty that threatened to engulf him. He had made up his mind, and there was no turning back.
The triumph of his survival became a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity.
However, the issue of harassment extends far beyond the immediate act itself. The Associated Press has conducted a comprehensive investigation, delving into court records, internal communications, and interviews with numerous current and former employees.
The findings reveal a distressing pattern: women who bravely reported instances of harassment or assault often faced a dismissive response from their employers. Shockingly, this lack of support frequently resulted in these women, and sometimes others, being subjected to further danger. The AP’s research uncovered a multitude of troubling examples.
In one case, a woman who had reported being groped by a colleague was forced to continue working alongside him. In another instance, a woman who had the courage to disclose a sexual assault was subsequently fired.
Furthermore, a woman detailed how her allegations of rape were downgraded to mere harassment by her superiors at the base. It is important to note that, unless individuals choose to publicly identify themselves, the AP generally refrains from disclosing the identities of those who have experienced sexual assault.
The grievances regarding incidents of violence and misconduct did not cease following the publication of the National Science Foundation (NSF) report.
Even after five months had passed since its release, a distressing incident came to light at McMurdo, where a woman bravely came forward to a deputy U.S. marshal with a harrowing account.
She recounted an alarming encounter with her colleague, Stephen Bieneman, who allegedly restrained her by pinning her down and placing his shin on her throat, causing her to struggle for breath for approximately a minute.
Throughout this terrifying ordeal, she desperately attempted to convey her inability to breathe, highlighting the severity and distressing nature of the incident.
Bieneman has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault, according to court documents. As a result, he was terminated from his position and sent back to the United States. His trial has been scheduled for November.
In defense of his client, Birney Bervar, Bieneman’s lawyer, stated in an email to the AP that the incident was merely “horseplay” initiated by the woman involved.
Bervar further argued that the evidence did not support the woman’s claims of an assault of the nature and degree she described. The National Science Foundation (NSF) report on the matter led to a Congressional investigation.
However, Leidos, the prime contractor, provided a written response to Congress that contradicted its own emails, claiming that it had received “zero allegations” of sexual assault in Antarctica between April 2017 and April 2022.
Kathleen Naeher, the chief operating officer of the civil group at Leidos, testified before a congressional committee in December, outlining proposed measures to prevent such incidents in the future. These included installing peepholes on dorm room doors, limiting access to master keys, and providing teams in the field with an extra satellite phone.
However, Rep. Mike Garcia, a Republican from California, expressed his disbelief at these proposed fixes, stating that they should have been implemented prior to sending anyone down to Antarctica. His sentiment was shared during the hearing, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety measures in such environments.
Monahon’s account, along with the testimonies of all but one of the workers featured in this narrative, marks a significant moment as they courageously break their silence and speak publicly for the first time.
Their harrowing experiences, set against the backdrop of one of the most isolated and inaccessible locations on our planet, shed light on the unimaginable challenges they faced.
These women recount a distressing tale of being left to their own devices, compelled to navigate treacherous circumstances without adequate support or guidance. Their voices, now finally heard, serve as a testament to the resilience and fortitude required to endure such extreme circumstances.
Monahon’s words encapsulate a profound sense of isolation and self-reliance that can be both empowering and terrifying at the same time.
In a world where we often seek solace and support from others, the realization that we are ultimately responsible for our own well-being can be a daunting concept to grapple with. The absence of external assistance can strip away the safety net we so often rely on, leaving us vulnerable and exposed.
It is in these moments of solitude and self-reliance that we truly come face to face with our own strength and resilience, as we navigate the treacherous waters of life on our own. The absence of external saviors forces us to dig deep within ourselves, tapping into reserves of courage and determination that we may not have known existed.
While this realization can be terrifying, it also presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It is through these trials and tribulations that we learn to trust in our own capabilities and find the strength to overcome adversity.
Ultimately, it is the recognition that we are our own saviors that empowers us to take control of our lives and forge our own path towards fulfillment and happiness.
Monahon firmly asserts that her fortunate escape from physical harm in Antarctica can be solely attributed to her colleagues rather than the management. Her encounter with Zak Buckingham in 2021 at a hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand, holds significant importance in this regard.
It was during this time that Monahon and other McMurdo workers were undergoing quarantine measures in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic before embarking on their journey to Antarctica.
This would mark Monahon’s second expedition to the icy continent, a place that had captivated her imagination ever since her childhood days spent in upstate New York, thousands of miles away. The allure of Antarctica had always beckoned Monahon, and this opportunity to return was met with great excitement and anticipation.
However, as she reflects on her experience, it becomes evident that the safety and well-being she enjoyed during her time in Antarctica can be attributed primarily to the camaraderie and support of her fellow colleagues, rather than the management.
During her stay at the hotel, Monahon found herself facing unwanted attention from male colleagues, causing her to feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. However, the situation took a turn when a certain individual named Buckingham, a plumber and amateur boxer hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, came to their rescue.
Despite his intimidating and somewhat wild demeanor, Buckingham displayed a captivating sense of humor and charm. It was on one fateful night that Monahon and Buckingham found themselves entangled in a romantic encounter.
Little did Monahon know, however, that Buckingham had a troubling past marred by what a judge referred to as alcohol-related criminal offenses in his home country. Prior to his deployment, court records obtained by the AP through a petition to a New Zealand judge revealed that Buckingham had violated a protection order issued by his former partner and the mother of his three children.
The records indicated that he had sent explicit text messages to his ex-partner, demanding oral sex and exhibiting highly inappropriate behavior.
Despite her clear objections and warnings, Buckingham persisted, responding with derogatory and offensive language. In the face of his relentless harassment, his ex-partner finally threatened to involve the authorities. Unfazed, Buckingham brazenly replied, challenging her to follow through on her threat.
Antarctica, with its ancient ice sheet and remote location, serves as an ideal destination for scientists who seek to delve into a wide range of research areas, encompassing everything from unraveling the mysteries of the universe’s earliest moments to comprehending the intricate dynamics of our planet’s climate.
At McMurdo, the central hub of United States operations in Antarctica, the population experiences a significant surge in numbers, escalating from a modest 200-300 individuals during the southern winter to well over 1,000 during the summer months.
Notably, the gender distribution at McMurdo typically leans towards a male majority, with approximately 70% of the population being men.
The United States Antarctic Program, which is responsible for the management and execution of research activities in the region, operates under the auspices of the National Science Foundation (NSF). This program, with its vast scope and substantial financial implications, operates through a complex network of contractors and subcontractors.
The main contract, valued at over $200 million annually, has been held by Leidos since 2017. Moreover, Amentum, a government services behemoth, acquired subcontractor PAE, which employs a significant portion of the personnel at the base, last year.
Interestingly, McMurdo lacks a police presence or a designated correctional facility. Consequently, the responsibility of maintaining law and order falls upon a sworn on-site deputy U.S. marshal, ensuring that the base remains a place of order and security despite the absence of traditional law enforcement infrastructure.
In the isolated and frigid environment of McMurdo, where socializing options are limited, many individuals seek solace in one of the two main bars: Southern Exposure or Gallagher’s. Despite lacking windows, these establishments have become popular gathering spots, although they carry with them a distinct odor of body sweat and decades of stale beer that has permeated the very floors.
During the summer months, when the sun shines ceaselessly, patrons exiting the bars are momentarily blinded by the dazzling light. However, within these seemingly mundane settings, a disturbing incident unfolded one night at Southern Exposure.
A woman named Monahon recounted to the AP how Buckingham, a fellow bar-goer, began laughing with his friends, making lewd comments about her and her companion. The situation quickly escalated, with Buckingham aggressively confronting another man.
Monahon, who had repeatedly expressed her disinterest in engaging with Buckingham, soon learned that he harbored anger towards her. Distressed and fearing for her safety, she promptly reported the situation to PAE’s human resources. To her dismay, no action was taken.
A week later, Monahon found herself at Gallagher’s, where Buckingham approached her in a fit of rage, his voice trembling as he shouted threats and accusations.
Bewildered, she tried to comprehend the situation as Buckingham yelled, “You’ve been talking s— about my mother! People who talk s— about my mother deserve to die!” Monahon was shaken to her core, and as others intervened, Buckingham snarled, “Snitches will get stitches.” Witnessing the commotion, Cameron Dailey-Ruddy, a bartender at Gallagher’s, swiftly took charge.
He ordered everyone except Monahon to leave and dialed 911, connecting to the station firehouse. Dailey-Ruddy obtained the contact information for the Leidos station manager and PAE’s HR representative, urgently requesting their presence at the bar.
He revealed that it had become an open secret that Buckingham had been harassing Monahon, recounting instances of his regular presence at the bars, public drinking, and mistreatment of women.
Monahon was then escorted to a secluded room by the managers, who assured her that she could take the following day off work. Little did she know that this would be the last time she felt supported by the management.
Following a night spent in her newly assigned room, Monahon had a meeting with Michelle Izzi, the HR representative for PAE.
Monahon alleges that Izzi dissuaded her from reporting the incident involving the deputy U.S. marshal, citing potential jurisdictional complications and even an international dilemma, as Buckingham was a citizen of New Zealand.
Monahon further claims that Izzi advised her to carefully consider the personal and program-wide implications of filing charges. In a subsequent recorded meeting, Izzi refuted Monahon’s claim, asserting that she had actually instructed her to contact the marshal. However, Izzi did not respond to requests for comment from the AP.
The following evening, Dailey-Ruddy recounts that Buckingham was once again present at the bar. According to another individual familiar with the situation, Buckingham engaged in a physical altercation with another man the subsequent night.
Dailey-Ruddy was not surprised by the lack of action taken against Buckingham, as he believed it to be indicative of the prevailing culture surrounding sexual harassment and the disregard for women’s safety at the station.
Meanwhile, Monahon had armed herself with a machinist’s hammer for self-defense. In a statement submitted to PAE’s HR department, she expressed her fear and cited Buckingham as a threat to her life, emphasizing his capability and desire to harm her. Monahon had been living in constant fear for the past two days.
With her employers failing to address her concerns, Monahon’s immediate supervisor and colleagues devised their own plan, as relayed by two employees familiar with the situation.
Monahon was instructed to pack her belongings and the following morning joined a group embarking on a treacherous eight-day journey across the sea ice to resupply a small U.S. outpost. The crossing posed inherent risks due to the potential crumbling of the ice in the spring.
Wes Thurmann, a fire department supervisor with annual Antarctic experience since 2012, attested to the decision made by Monahon’s team. He revealed that upon Dailey-Ruddy’s call to 911, he became acquainted with the misogynistic culture prevalent at McMurdo when a group of men compiled a list of women they considered targets for sexual encounters.
Thurmann stated that the NSF and Antarctic contractors often attributed such behavior to alcohol, but refrained from banning alcohol consumption as it would make deployments less appealing.
The crisis experienced by Monahon on the ice was not an isolated incident, as evidenced by another troubling event in November 2019 that compelled the NSF to initiate an investigation.
Although the food worker involved did not provide a comment, internal emails obtained by the AP shed light on her case.
The woman reported to her superiors that she had been sexually assaulted by a coworker, only to face subsequent criticism from a supervisor who happened to be the accused man’s girlfriend. Shockingly, two months later, the woman was terminated from her position.
This sparked outrage among many of her colleagues, including Julie Grundberg, the then McMurdo area manager for Leidos, who expressed her concerns in numerous emails to her superiors in Denver.
Grundberg emphasized the negative impact of the organization’s failure to issue a public statement, stating that it further eroded the community’s trust in their organization. However, Supervisor Ethan Norris responded by urging Grundberg to remain neutral, claiming that she only had one side of the story at that point.
Norris declined to provide a comment to the AP when approached for clarification. The incident prompted some of the women to establish their own support group called Ice Allies, and over 300 individuals signed a petition demanding improved systems for addressing sexual assaults. The food steward involved in the incident ultimately settled a wrongful termination claim for an undisclosed sum, according to sources familiar with the matter.
In a move that many workers believed was retaliatory, Leidos later terminated Grundberg’s employment. Another food steward, Jennifer Sorensen, revealed to the AP that she had been raped at McMurdo in 2015 but initially kept it to herself.
Sorensen detailed her experience in a written account to the AP, expressing her lack of support and protection on the station, the absence of a proper justice system to safeguard her from her rapist, and her ignorance of any present law enforcement personnel.
Over 21 months later, Sorensen reached out to the man’s employer, GHG Corp., to inform them of what had transpired. GHG subsequently responded that they had conducted an investigation into her claims in collaboration with Leidos and assured her that they would not rehire the man. GHG President Joseph Willhelm explicitly acknowledged that Sorensen had been a victim of sexual harassment.
However, Sorensen found it disgraceful that GHG and Leidos had downgraded her experience from rape to harassment. GHG did not provide a comment to the AP when approached for clarification. Sorensen also contacted the FBI, but they declined to press criminal charges and refused to disclose details of their investigation to the AP.
Another individual, Britt Barquist, who held a position as the foreperson of the fuel department, recounted an incident to the AP in which a senior employee reached under the table during a safety briefing and squeezed her upper leg.
In March 2022, Mr. Buckingham found himself facing the consequences of his actions as he was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and 10 months of supervision.
This came after he pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching a protection order for his ex-partner. Judge Kevin Glubb, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that this was the first time Mr.
Buckingham had been involved in such offending behavior. Judge Glubb made it abundantly clear that this would be the last time Mr. Buckingham would face the court with such charges, warning him that any future transgressions would result in severe consequences. Despite the legal action taken against him, Mr. Buckingham has not faced any repercussions for the alleged incidents that occurred in Antarctica, and he has since returned to New Zealand.
However, Ms. Monahon, the victim in this case, remains hopeful that her story will shed light on the need for greater accountability among contractors in Antarctica. She believes that the National Science Foundation (NSF) should go beyond merely considering replacing Leidos as the lead contractor when their contract expires in 2025. Ms. Monahon poses a crucial question: what measures will the NSF take to ensure that the next contractor does not repeat the same mistakes? Her determination to continue working in Antarctica led her to return in 2022, but she has decided to skip this season. Despite her resilience, she admits that the perpetrators seem to be prevailing at present, and she hopes for a change in this unfortunate situation.