The NZSSM (Erebus) was established November 2006 to recognize service in the aftermath of the crash of Air New Zealand Flight 901 on Mount Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica on 28 November 1979. Qualifying service includes body recovery, crash investigation and victim identification. Service was performed at the crash site; during support and supply flights in and out of the crash site; at McMurdo Station; or the mortuary at Auckland University School of Medicine.