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U.S. Navy to study the Arctic

Seawolf-class submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) as it surfaces above the ice during ICEX 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

The U.S. Naval War College has launched an Arctic Regional Studies Group to help the Navy prepare for future operational and strategic challenges in the Arctic.

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Recognizing the maritime implications of the changing Arctic region, the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, Rhode Island, launched the Arctic Regional Studies Group (ASG), on July 26. The group was created with the goal of helping the college’s students and the Navy to better understand, prepare for, and adapt to future operational and strategic challenges in the Arctic region.

In May 2013 the White House released the National Strategy for the Arctic Region, which reflects a growing recognition that the Arctic will increasingly become a strategic priority for the United States. 

“Some projections suggest that the Arctic could be open for shipping during the summer months by as early as 2023,” said Professor Walter Berbrick, who will serve as the Arctic Regional Studies Group’s first director.  “This will place new demands on the Navy to maintain presence and capabilities to operate in the austere Arctic environment”, NWC’s web site reads.

The group will explore topics such as the U. N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, economic implications relating to U.S. national security, international and interagency opportunities for cooperation, and understanding the environmental challenges the Arctic poses for joint maritime operations.

“The Naval War College is often referred to as the Navy’s home of thought,” said provost at NWC Mary Ann Peters. “It’s important for our faculty and students to fully consider the implications that this emerging maritime landscape presents, and to provide relevant research and analysis to our Navy’s and nation’s current and future leaders as they engage in strategic planning for the Arctic in the years ahead.”