This is the moment the US Navy takes part in exercises with UK and Canadian allies north of the Arctic Circle to test their combat readiness in freezing conditions.

The Commander of the US Navy’s Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR) launched Ice Exercise 2022 at the Arctic Ocean on 4th March.

Ice Exercise (ICEX) started with the construction of the Ice Camp Queenfish and the arrival of two US Navy fast-attack submarines.

Members of the UK Royal Navy and Canadian Navy and Air Force are also taking part in ICEX.

Over several weeks, navy personnel will be put through their paces to test their operational preparedness in Arctic conditions as well as develop relationships with allied partners.

The temporary Queenfish ice camp was built on an Arctic floe in international waters as well as in Prudhoe Bay in Alaska and onboard two US Navy submarines.

US Navy Rear Admiral Richard Seif said: “Our ICEX 2022 team includes key contributors from the British and Canadian armed forces.

“It’s in all of our best interests to understand the Arctic region and the unique environment it represents. We have a proud tradition of working together with partners and allies in the Arctic and will continue to do so.”

Major General Eric J. Kenny, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, said: “The Royal Canadian Air Force’s support to ICEX 2022 in the Arctic is just one example of daily collaboration with our American allies, which includes 24/7 NORAD operations.

“Our ski-equipped CC-138 Twin Otters and the crews that fly them are well-equipped to operate in even the harshest of northern environments in order to provide logistical support to the United States Navy during this exercise.”

Glenn Scott of the Royal Navy’s Maritime Warfare Center, one of six UK representatives at ICEX, said: “We have a longstanding relationship working together in the Arctic. Taking part in the Ice Exercises allows us to share best practices and continues to grow our Arctic capabilities. It’s vitally important that we maintain the connections that we build during ICEX, because they greatly enhance our abilities to conduct Arctic operations.”

Howard Reese, director of the US Navy’s Arctic Submarine Laboratory, said: “The value is huge to work with other Arctic nations here.

“It’s important for both the US and our international partners and allies to be involved in exercises like this to keep our personnel trained in Arctic operations.

“Just as it is anywhere in the world, working together in the Arctic allows us to understand each other’s operations and integrate seamlessly whenever the need arises.”