Hawkes Heights

Hawkes Heights is the heights (an ice-filled crater rising to 2,000 m) that dominate the south part of Coulman Island and mark the island's summit, in the Ross Sea. Named by New Zealand Geological Survey Antarctic Expedition (NZGSAE), 1958–59, for Captain William M. Hawkes, U.S. Navy, who took a leading part in early air operations from Williams Field near McMurdo Station, including long range photo reconnaissance and supply flights, and the first air landing at the South Pole. He was commander of one of the two planes which made the historic first flight from Christchurch to McMurdo Station on December 17, 1955. His air photos proved of great value to two NZGSAE parties to this part of Victoria Land. Mount Hawkes is also named for CAPT Hawkes, who was assigned to Air Development Squadron Six (VX-6) in 1955-56.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Geological Survey document "Hawkes Heights" (content from the Geographic Names Information System).