Berger is the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Power, Installations and Atmosphere, along with performing the duties of the Beneath Secretary of the Navy.
She was joined by Adm. Frank Caldwell, Jr., director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, and Rear Adm. Douglas Perry, director of the Undersea Warfare Division on the Chief of Naval Operations’ workers, in the course of the ICEX go to.
“It’s inspiring to see firsthand what the women and men of our Navy and Marine Corps can do in even probably the most inhospitable environments on Earth,” stated Berger. “In a spot the place temperatures can drop to 60 or 70 levels beneath zero, I used to be capable of go from a cell command middle on a drifting piece of ice constructed by Marines, Navy SeaBees and Navy civilians to a nuclear-powered submarine surfaced only a quick distance away.
“As maritime site visitors will increase by means of the Arctic waters, we should work with our companions and allies to undertaking power and preserve this area protected and peaceable,” she continued. “Ice Train 2022 highlights our distinctive capability to function on this austere and difficult surroundings.”
ICEX 2022 is a joint mixed train that takes place over the course of about three weeks north of the Arctic circle, with personnel stationed on the short-term Ice Camp Queenfish, in addition to in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, and two operational U.S. Navy submarines. Along with the command middle, Ice Camp Queenfish consists of sleeping tents, a eating hut, short-term restroom and runway for touchdown plane.
It was constructed by specialists from the Navy’s Arctic Submarine Laboratory, the lead group for the train, in addition to personnel from the Bridgeport, Calif.-based U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Coaching Heart and Gulfport, Miss.,-based Naval Cellular Development Battalion 11, generally known as SeaBees. Berger stayed in a single day at Ice Camp Queenfish previous to boarding USS Illinois to realize firsthand perspective from the personnel there supporting ICEX 2022.
Becoming a member of U.S. forces within the train are personnel from the Royal Canadian Air Power and Navy, in addition to the UK Royal Navy.
“The Navy’s submarine drive has operated within the Arctic area for many years, however we’re at all times difficult ourselves to enhance and innovate,” stated Perry. “Our biennial Ice Workouts show the unmatched international attain, endurance, stealth and lethality of our Quick Assault Submarine Power, and are large alternatives to judge ourselves, get higher and construct on our years of information and expertise.”
Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander of the U.S. Navy’s Undersea Warfighting Growth Heart in Groton, Connecticut, and rating officer at ICEX, welcomed Berger, Caldwell, Perry and different distinguished guests to the Arctic.
“Throughout ICEX 2022, we’ve been capable of give resolution makers on the highest ranges of the Navy, army and authorities alternatives to see firsthand our coaching and innovation within the Arctic area,” stated Seif. “This expertise will likely be invaluable as our nation works with companions and allies to make sure a free and peaceable Arctic.”
ICEX permits the Navy to evaluate its operational readiness within the Arctic, enhance expertise within the area, advance understanding of the Arctic surroundings, and proceed to develop relationships with different providers, allies and associate organizations.
