Navy Submarines Arrive in Arctic for ICEX 2016

From Commander, Submarine Forces Public Affairs
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ARCTIC CIRCLE (NNS) -- Two Los Angeles-class submarines arrived at U.S. Navy Ice Camp Sargo, a temporary station on top of a floating ice sheet in the Arctic, March 14, as part of Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016.

 USS Hartford (SSN 768) from Groton, Connecticut, and USS Hampton (SSN 767) from San Diego will conduct multiple arctic transits, a North Pole surfacing, scientific data collection and other training evolutions during their time in the region.

 "Submarine operations as part of ICEX provide the necessary training to maintain a working knowledge of an extremely challenging region that is very different than any other ocean in the world," said Cmdr. Scott Luers, ice camp officer-in-tactical-command and deputy director of operations for Commander Submarine Forces in Norfolk. "Navigating, communicating and maneuvering are all different in an arctic environment as there are surfaces both above and below a submarine."

 ICEX 2016 is a five-week exercise designed to assess the operational readiness of the submarine force while also continuing to advance scientific research in the arctic region. The Navy's Arctic Submarine Laboratory, based in San Diego, serves as the lead organization for coordinating, planning and executing the exercise involving two submarines, multiple nations and more than 200 participants.

 "Our Arctic Submarine Laboratory, led by Larry Estrada, continues to be the world leader in Arctic undersea operations," said Rear Adm. Jeff Trussler, commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center.

 Submarines have conducted under-ice operations in the Arctic region for more than 50 years. USS Nautilus (SSN 571) made the first transit in 1958. USS Skate (SSN 578) was the first U.S. submarine to surface through arctic ice at the North Pole in March, 1959. USS Sargo (SSN 583), which the temporary ice camp is named after, was the first submarine to make a winter Bering Strait transit in 1960.

 Since those events, the U.S. Submarine Force has completed more than 26 Arctic exercises. ICEX 2016 is the latest exercise demonstrating the important and unique role the Submarine Force plays in implementing the Department of Defense's Arctic strategy.

 "ICEX 2016 is our continued commitment to the development of undersea warfare capabilities and tactics in all areas of the world," said Trussler. "Our superiority in delivering effects in and from the undersea domain to the operational commanders is dependent on the regular exercise and demonstration of these capabilities."

Navy Sets Course for the Arctic Circle, Kicks Off ICEX 2016

ICE CAMP NAUTILUS (March 20, 2014) The view at sunset of Ice Camp Nautilus, located on a sheet of ice adrift on the Arctic Ocean, during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2014. ICEX 2014 is a U.S. Navy exercise highlighting submarine capabilities in an arctic environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Davies/Released)

From Commander, Submarine Forces Public Affairs

ICE CAMP SARGO (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR) officially kicked off Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016 in the Arctic Ocean with the construction of U.S. Navy Ice Camp SARGO March 2.

 ICEX 2016 is a five-week exercise designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the Arctic region.

 "ICEX allows us to assess our operational readiness in the Arctic, increase our experience in the region, develop partnerships and collaborative efforts, and advance our understanding of the Arctic environment," said Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo, commander, Submarine Forces.

 "The Arctic environment plays a key role in national defense. With over a thousand miles of Arctic coastline, the U.S. has strong national security and homeland defense interests in the region."

 The Arctic is experiencing a trend of diminishing sea ice extent and thickness creating the likelihood of increased maritime activity in the region, including trans-oceanic shipping and resource extraction.

 The Navy's Arctic Submarine Laboratory (ASL), based in San Diego, serves as the lead organization for coordinating, planning and executing the exercise involving four nations and over 200 participants over the five weeks of operations.

 A temporary camp is being established on a sheet of ice, known as an ice floe, in the Arctic Ocean to maintain submarine readiness and support arctic objectives and initiatives.

 "This exercise is the result of nearly two years of intense planning and hard work by everyone at the Arctic Submarine Laboratory," said Larry Estrada, Director of ASL. "This year's ICEX will include complex testing, demonstration and evaluation efforts that promote and align with broader Navy, DOD and national objectives in the region as well as increase participation. The camp will allow us to provide a stable platform supporting over 35 organizations."

 Ice Camp SARGO, will serve as a temporary command center for conducting operations in the Arctic region. It consists of shelters, a command center, and infrastructure to safely house and support more than 70 personnel at any one time.
 The camp gets its namesake from USS Sargo (SSN 583), the first submarine to conduct a winter Bering Strait transit in 1960 and a subsequent North Pole surfacing. Since the success of Sargo's voyage, arctic operations have been a crucial part of the missions conducted by nuclear submarines.

 Submarines have conducted under-ice operations in the Arctic regions in support of inter-fleet transit, training, cooperative allied engagements and operations for more than 50 years. USS Nautilus (SSN 571) made the first transit in 1958. USS Skate (SSN 578) was the first U.S. submarine to surface through arctic ice at the North Pole in March, 1959.

 Since those events, the U.S. Submarine Force has completed more than 26 Arctic exercises; the last being conducted in 2014.