BEAUFORT SEA, Arctic Circle (March 17, 2024) – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti traveled to the Arctic Ocean to attend Operation Ice Camp (ICE CAMP) 2024 and to go to with crewmembers of a U.S. Navy quick assault submarine, March 17.
Beforehand referred to as Ice Train (ICEX), the operation’s new title higher displays the Division of the Navy’s Arctic technique and its precedence to take care of enhanced regional presence.
“Our skill to function on, below and above Arctic waters ensures this area stays certainly one of low tensions, and prevents opponents from disrupting rising sea traces of communication and commerce,” mentioned Franchetti. “The Navy will proceed to modernize our amenities and platforms, and prepare personnel to satisfy the calls for of an more and more accessible Arctic working atmosphere.”
ICE CAMP is a three-week operation, hosted by Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces, in collaboration with the Arctic Submarine Laboratory (ASL), and is designed to analysis, check, and consider operational capabilities within the Arctic area. Whereas visiting, the CNO had the chance to talk with Sailors working within the austere Arctic circumstances.
“There isn’t any corollary to the calls for of the Arctic atmosphere, and there’s no finer check for a submarine or its crew than really being north of the Arctic Circle and below the ice,” Franchetti mentioned to the crew. “I would like every of you to know I’m extremely happy with you and of all that you’re doing to guarantee that our Navy stays essentially the most highly effective Navy on the earth.”
Along with U.S. Navy, Army, Air Pressure, Marine Corps and House Pressure participation within the train, personnel from the Royal Canadian Air Pressure, Royal Canadian Navy, the French Navy, the UK Royal Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy are collaborating.
“It’s outstanding to see what our Joint Pressure, alongside our companions from the ASL have organized, coordinated and deliberate for ICE CAMP to make sure our mixed forces are able to execute our Arctic mission,” mentioned Franchetti. “We are going to proceed to strengthen our partnerships with like-minded nations to reinforce our consciousness and enhance interoperability.”
The Navy stays dedicated to supporting Protection Division’s desired finish state for the Arctic: a safe and secure area the place U.S nationwide pursuits are safeguarded, the U.S. homeland is defended, and nations work cooperatively to deal with challenges. ICE CAMP is a biennial occasion to exhibit, consider, and advance the capabilities of the Navy working within the Arctic.
This was Franchetti’s first go to to ICE CAMP because the Chief of Naval Operations.
