U.S. Navy Submarines Train in Arctic as Russia Expands Military Operations
As tensions rise between the United States and Russia, the U.S. Navy is stepping up its training in the Arctic, a region long considered a strategic battleground. With Russia expanding its military operations in the area, American sailors aboard nuclear-powered submarines are honing their combat skills at the edge of the world.
One such submarine, the U.S.S. Hampton, recently participated in Operation Ice Camp in the Beaufort Sea. The 360-foot attack sub, armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and torpedoes, navigated through dense ice as part of a training exercise. For many of the 152 sailors on board, it was their first patrol.
Master Chief Petty Officer Jacob Green, known as “Cob” for chief of the boat, mentored the junior officers and crew members as they carried out their duties in the sub’s nerve center. Operating a submarine in the Arctic presents unique challenges, from navigating through shallow waters to avoiding ice keels that can pose a hazard.
The crew of the U.S.S. Hampton must also contend with the risk of small electrical fires caused by water condensation on the submarine’s hull. With space at a premium on board, sailors work in shifts and share beds, while the cooks bake fresh bread to avoid storing premade loaves.
Life on a submarine is described as working in a small office space with no windows, no Wi-Fi, and zero cell service. Decisions are made entirely on the boat, with no outside communication. The layout of the submarine resembles an elongated maze of dark passageways, where sailors must navigate carefully to avoid collisions.
Commander Mike Brown leads an all-male crew on the U.S.S. Hampton, as women only began serving in the submarine force in 2010. The crew’s mission in the Arctic is not only geopolitical but also focused on building proficiency in operating under the ice.
As the crew concludes its mission in the Beaufort Sea, the submarine heads north towards the North Pole, continuing its voyage under the icy sea in silence. The submariners aboard the U.S.S. Hampton are training the next generation of sailors to operate in one of the most unforgiving places on Earth.
With classified missions conducted around the world every day, the U.S. Navy’s submarine force plays a crucial role in national security. As Russia expands its military presence in the Arctic, American sailors are prepared to defend their country’s interests in this strategic region.
