WATCH: Nuclear submarine HMS Trenchant smashes through Arctic ice

Royal Navy submarine HMS Trenchant has broken through the metre-thick ice of the Arctic Ocean to join two American submarines on major exercise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EF3_plp8NQ

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“The Arctic Ocean is one of the harshest and most challenging environments on earth. The ability of our submarines to operate with our US allies here demonstrates the Royal Navy is always on hand and ready to defend our nation anywhere in the world from the most severe threats no matter the conditions.”

ICEX 2018 is a five-week exercise that allows US and allied submarines to assess operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region and advance understanding of the Arctic environment.

The Seawolf class fast attack submarine USS Connecticut, the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hartford and Trafalgar class submarine HMS Trenchant will conduct multiple arctic transits, a North Pole surfacing, scientific data collection and other training evolutions during their time in the region.

“With every ICEX we are able to build upon our existing experience and continue to learn the best way to operate in this unique and harsh environment,” said Rear Adm. James Pitts, commander, Undersea Warfare Development Center (UWDC).

“We are constantly testing new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) under the ice, and this exercise allows us to do so on a larger scale and alongside our UK, joint and academic partners.”

Ice Camp Skate is a temporary ice camp that was established on a sheet of ice in the Arctic Ocean, known as an ice floe. Skate will serve as a temporary command center for conducting submarine operations, including under-ice navigation and torpedo exercises.

The US Navy say that the camp consists of shelters, a command center and infrastructure to safely house and support more than 50 personnel at any one time.

“Our Arctic Submarine Laboratory team has been working for over a year to ensure our Submarine Force is able to conduct dynamic torpedo and under-ice operations in this unique environment,” says Larry Estrada, director of ASL.

“This year’s camp is prepared to support the force with communication and weapons recovery.”