ARCTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- An underwater range in the frigid depths of the Beaufort Sea allowed the U.S. and Royal navies to hone tactics, communication and navigation under the polar ice pack during Ice Exercise 2007 (ICEX-2007).
A camp atop a mile-long ice floe controlled the exercise as it monitored and guided USS Alexandria (SSN 757) and HMS Tireless (S88) during surfacings through the ice. The frozen maritime proving ground allowed submariners, engineers and scientists to conduct tests they can do nowhere else.
The harsh environment is unique and so different from open ocean that the Navy needs to test submarine capabilities in the Arctic, said Barry L. Campbell, head of operations at the U.S. Navy Arctic Submarine Laboratory in San Diego, Calif.
“We’re a worldwide Navy and the Navy’s position is we should be able to operate in any ocean in the world," he said.
Submarines can covertly maneuver the depths below the polar ice as a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Pacific compared to the more exposed route of the Panama Canal, which a vessel would have to surface to cross, he said.
“When you go through the Panama Canal, every terrorist and his brother knows you’re there,” Campbell said. “When you go through the Arctic, no one knows you’re there.”
Alexandria, an improved Los Angeles-class submarine, can silently cruise the depths beneath the sea ice. Among other features, the vessel has a strengthened sail and rudder, retractable bow planes and communication masts, the Submarine Remote Video System -- a low light underwater camera to look at the bottom of the ice -- sonar to spot ice keels and an acoustic top sounder system to measure ice draft.
“The Arctic Ocean is unique in the sense that submarines are the only platform that can operate there independently all year long,” said Capt. Ed Hasell, ICEX tactical command officer and officer in charge of the Arctic Submarine Laboratory. “We expect all our subs to be able to operate in the Arctic.”
The Royal Navy has the same mission, said Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Stuart Capes, Fleet Submarine navigator based in Portsmouth, England, and an ICEX range safety officer.
“Our strategic position is to be able to operate anywhere in the world, and we see the Arctic as part of that,” he said. “It just enhances our cooperation with your Navy. God forbid, if we ever did have to fight a battle under there it would be a joint operation.”
Both the U.S. and Royal Navies, which have jointly participated in ICEX since 1986, will incorporate lessons learned at the latest underwater exercise in submarine force operations, Hasell and Capes said.
Once ICEX concludes, the Navy departs and opens the camp in April to National Science Foundation researchers who will engage in experiments during the International Polar Year. The Navy set up scientific equipment for the scientists prior to their arrival.
2. Submariners Bring Cheer to Atlanta Hospital
Release Date: 3/20/2007 12:51:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Terry W. Matlock, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
ATLANTA (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Georgia (SSGN 729) visited Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital here March 14, delivering caps and smiles in support of the Navy’s “Caps For Kids” Program.
The Sailors of the Kings Bay, Ga.-based, Ohio-class guided-missile submarine presented command ball caps as well as other donated ball caps from commands around the fleet while visiting more than 40 enthusiastic hospitalized children.
“I think that this is a great program,” said Kate Carpenter, a Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital internist for volunteer services. “Kids love visitors, and sometimes it takes their mind off things, when they are having a bad day, to get a knock on the door and receive a gift to know that someone from the outside really cares and is thinking about them.”
The Caps for Kids visit was one of many community relations events during the Atlanta Navy Week, March 12-18. The Navy week is designed to increase Navy awareness by providing heartland communities opportunities to meet Sailors first hand, and strengthen the rich and diverse relationship between the community and the U.S. Navy.
“I think that the 'Caps for Kids' program is beneficial to both the kids and the Sailors alike,” said Machinist Mate 3rd Class (SS) Kenneth Ridley. “I think the children enjoyed it just as much as I did and I would encourage anyone who has this opportunity to participate in this program.”
Since "Caps for Kids" became a Navy national outreach effort in 2000, more than 300 commands and thousands of Sailors have donated ball caps and other Navy memorabilia, along with their time, to more than 500 hospitals across the country. Any command, ship or squadron can support the "Caps for Kids" program by contacting the Navy Office of Community Outreach at (901)874-5800.
Atlanta Navy Week is one of 26 Navy weeks planned across America in 2007. Navy weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities which do not have a significant everyday Navy presence.
Registration for the 240 seats for the Cold War Under the Sea History Seminar, "How Submarine Intelligence Collection Made a Difference - Lessons Learned From the Past" is filling up fast. This seminar promises to be an exciting program featuring VADM Roger Bacon, RADM Tom Brooks and Mr. Richard Haver. RADM Tom Evans is the Moderator. The seminar is sponsored by a generous grant from Northrop Grumman Marine Systems in Sunnyvale, CA, one of our Corporate Benefactors. The seminar starts at 1830 with a reception and the program starts at 1900. The event is held at the U. S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington DC and attendance is FREE but registration is required. Please call the League at 703-256-0891 or email at subleague@cavtel.net.
Registration is now open for the 20th Submarine Technology Symposium held at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD. This year the symposium an international session featuring the leadership of six allied nation submarine forces. Additionally, the Navy Submarine Force will present reports from four Commanding Officers who will discuss their recent deployments. A SECRET clearance is required to attend this event. Click on this link ( http://www.jhuapl.edu/sts/index.html ) to go to the symposium website to view the draft agenda, hotels, and the on-line registration webpage. Active Duty Military can register for $525. The fee for all others is $600. Attendance is limited due to the size of the facility, so early registration is recommended. A late fee is assigned after 30 April 2007.
CAPT Max Duncan sent in the following report on RADM Gene Fluckey: "Gene is holding his own- no noticeable change the last month or so. He is using a wheelchair for all of his mobility. He is up and participating in group activities during the day. He is alert and while not initiating conversations, he does usually respond. He still has a good appetite and has gained considerable weight. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers."
A recent report from RADM Chip Griffiths states that each day his attitude is better than the last. He is active with his business responsibilities and also with his medical treatments. He appreciates your thoughts, calls and prayers.