As part of Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016, two U.S. Los Angeles-class nuclear submarines are participating in exercises near U.S. Navy Ice Camp Sargo, a temporary station in the Arctic circle.
The USS Hartford, shown in the video, and the USS Hampton will make arctic transits, collect scientific data, and make visually spectacular North Pole surfacings.
“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,” Commander Scott Luers said in a statement.
Submarines have been making arctic transits for more than 50 years, ever since the USS Nautilus made the first transit in 1958. Since then, the U.S. Submarine Force has made more than 26 transit exercises.
“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,” Rear admiral Jeff Trussler said in a statement.
