Arctic forces fleet to look north

Sailors should expect more deployments to the icy North, thanks to the melting ice caps and opening of waterways, the Navy’s top oceanographer said.

Rear Adm. David Gove, the oceanographer and navigator of the Navy, said increased maritime traffic, combined with international disputes over access to oil, minerals and natural gas, will mean sailors used to the Atlantic and Pacific soon will be sailing into a realm known only to submariners and icebreaker crews.

“I’d say junior sailors in the Navy today will likely see increasing operations in the Arctic, including exercises, freedom of navigation demonstrations, deterrent [patrols] and possibly security deployments,” Gove said.

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