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."

Submarine USS Hampton Returns from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anthony Walker

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- Friends and family of Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) welcomed home Hampton's crew Dec. 18 following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The deployment supported the nation's maritime strategy, which includes maritime security, forward presence, sea control, and power projection.

During the deployment, Hampton executed missions vital to national security and participated in U.S. and multinational naval exercises. The ship's port visits included Yokosuka, Japan, Singapore, Guam and Subic Bay, Philippines.

"I am proud of the tremendous effort the crew has put into being successful and for the support and encouragement from our great families. The men have done exceptionally well, and it shows," said Hampton's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Lincoln Reifsteck.

Hampton was commissioned Nov. 6, 1993. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Hampton has a crew of nearly 140 Sailors. Hampton is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance, and reconnaissance. She is one of six Los Angeles-class submarines homeported in San Diego.