U.S. Navy Conducts Arctic Submarine Exercise Amid Growing Russian Presence

The U.S. Navy's submarine force is sharpening its combat skills in the Arctic as Russia expands its military activities in the region. In March 2024, the USS Hampton, a 360-foot attack submarine armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and torpedoes, undertook Operation Ice Camp in the Beaufort Sea. The crew of 152 sailors, led by Commander Mike Brown, navigated through thick ice and shallow waters, dodging ice keels and preventing electrical fires caused by water condensation.

Why this matters: The Arctic region's growing importance for global trade and resource extraction makes the U.S. Navy's effective operation in this challenging environment vital for maintaining national security and protecting American interests. Operation Ice Camp's success demonstrates the U.S. military's commitment to staying ahead of potential threats in the region. The Arctic region's growing importance for global trade and resource extraction makes the U.S. Navy's effective operation in this challenging environment vital for maintaining national security and protecting American interests. Operation Ice Camp's success demonstrates the U.S. military's commitment to staying ahead of potential threats in the region. The success of Operation Ice Camp demonstrates the U.S. military's commitment to staying ahead of potential threats in the region.

Throughout the three-week mission, the crew faced unique challenges, from confined living quarters and shared bunks to meticulous meal planning and the constant threat of becoming trapped under the ice. Commander Brown emphasized the submarine's agility and the crew's skill in traversing the treacherous Arctic environment, stating, "We operated the boat 20 feet off the bottom with 40-60 feet of ice above us, and we were able to dodge the ice keels."

The USS Hampton's small nuclear power plant is essential for propulsion and survival under the ice. Living conditions onboard are cramped, with limited space for relaxation and shared sleeping arrangements. Communication with the outside world is restricted, as there is no access to Wi-Fi or cell service, requiring the sailors to make critical military decisions without external input. "It's geopolitical. It's also just building theproficiency of beingable to operate under the ice,"Commander Brown explained, underlining the significance of the mission.

The U.S. Navy has a long history of training in the Arctic, but Russia's increasing military presence in the region has elevated the importance of U.S. military readiness. In 2010, the ban on women serving in the submarine force was lifted, and female officers are now advancing through the ranks, although none have yet assumed command of a submarine.

Operation Ice Camp took place in the Beaufort Sea, a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, in March 2024. During the operation, the USS Hampton transited through the narrow Bering Strait and established a temporary base camp called Camp Whale on a large ice floe in the Beaufort Sea.

The Arctic region's growing strategic importance, stemming from its untapped resources and potential shipping routes, makes the U.S. Navy's ability to operate effectively in this challenging environment increasingly vital. Navy's ability to operate effectively in this challenging environment becomes increasingly vital. The success of Operation Ice Camp demonstrates the U.S. military'scommitment to maintaininga strong presence in the Arctic and its readiness to counter any potential threats in the region.

Key Takeaways

• US Navy's USS Hampton submarine conducted Operation Ice Camp in the Arctic Beaufort Sea.
• Crew of 152 sailors navigated through thick ice and shallow waters, dodging ice keels.
• Success demonstrates US military's commitment to staying ahead of potential threats in the region.
• Arctic region's growing importance for global trade and resource extraction makes US Navy's operation vital.
• Operation shows US military's readiness to counter potential threats in the region.