U.S. Navy sailors aboard nuclear-powered submarines have honed their combat skills in the Arctic for years, preparing to face their Russian counterparts in potential conflicts. As Russia expands military operations in the region, the American sub force is stepping up their training at the edge of the world. One such mission took place in March when the U.S.S. Hampton pierced through dense ice in the Beaufort Sea during Operation Ice Camp. The crew of 152 sailors, including Chief of the Boat Jacob Green, navigated the challenges of operating a submarine in the harsh Arctic environment.
Navigating a submarine in the Arctic is particularly difficult due to the shallow waters forcing crews to carefully maneuver between ice above and the ocean floor below. Ice keels, massive chunks of overturned sea ice, pose additional hazards. The crew of the U.S.S. Hampton, under the command of Cmdr. Mike Brown, skillfully avoided these dangers while transiting through the Bering Strait. Water condensation on the hull increases the risk of electrical fires, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the vessel’s nuclear power plant in optimal condition.
Life aboard a submarine is characterized by cramped quarters, shared beds, and meticulously planned menus for underwater missions. Crew members find solace in the small dining areas, playing card games or watching movies during downtime. Communication with the outside world is virtually nonexistent, with crucial military decisions made solely on the boat. The layout of the submarine is akin to an elongated maze of dark passageways, requiring sailors to walk single-file in narrow companionways.
During Ice Camp, the crew of the U.S.S. Hampton joined other service members at Camp Whale, a temporary base on a drifting ice floe. Conditions are harsh, with no showers, running water, and temperatures dropping to 40 degrees below zero. Geopolitical objectives and crew training are the focus of the mission, testing the sailors’ abilities to operate under the ice. Commander Brown sees this endeavor as vital for preparing the next generation of sailors for Arctic operations.
U.S. Navy submarines undertake classified missions worldwide, gathering intelligence or carrying enough nuclear warheads to destroy entire countries. For the crew of the U.S.S. Hampton, the mission in the Beaufort Sea culminates with a journey to the North Pole before continuing their voyage beneath the icy sea. As they press on in silent operation, these submariners serve on the front lines of global military strategy, navigating the Arctic with precision and expertise.
