The USS HAWKBILL (SSN 666) got underway on March 18 to conduct SCICEX 99, the fifth science expedition to the Arctic Ocean. SCICEX is part of a joint venture with the Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Navy submarine community. The eight-week scientific expedition is the final in a series of five cruises.
Although all five SCICEX cruises have conducted unique experiments, SCICEX 99 is the only expedition to have an associated science ice camp, called APLIS (Applied Physics Laboratory Ice Station). The Navy has fielded science ice camps for more than 20 years in support of arctic research and development. APLIS provides the Navy and participating scientists with additional flexibility and opportunities and allows for the embarkation of several scientific specialists who otherwise, because of space limitations on the submarine, could not otherwise participate and lend their expertise on-scene.
"The SCICEX program is a prime example of how well government, military and academia can work together in a mutually beneficial way," said Rear Admiral Paul G. Gaffney, Chief of Naval Research. "The military is a valuable partner with civil agencies, and academia. The capabilities of nuclear submarines have enabled an exponential increase in scientific knowledge about the Arctic Ocean reaped through SCICEX."
Eleven civilians will be embarked on USS HAWKBILL at various times during SCICEX 99. Dr. Margo Edwards of the University of Hawaii, is the Chief Scientist for SCICEX 99. Other scientists on this mission are from Ohio State University, Tulane University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and Science Applications International Corporation, Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Canada), University of Texas. Scientists conducted research at the ice camp are from University of Washington Applied Physics Lab, Science Applications International Corporation, and Scientific Solutions, Inc.
The majority of the scientific effort will be spent in examining the geophysical, chemical, and biological properties of the Arctic Ocean. A major experiment will use a new geophysical instrumentation package to map the poorly-charted floor of the Arctic Ocean. Another major area of interest will employ the submarine's unique ability to survey the underside of the Arctic ice pack to learn more about trends in and mechanisms which determine ice thickness. Additionally, there will be continuous measurements using externally-mounted instruments, collection of water samples from inside the submarine and from several surface stations, and gathering biological specimens. Of particular importance is observing whether or not temperature increases observed in the Arctic Ocean during the 1990s continue; if so, there are important implications for global warming.
The SCICEX program is a result of a 1994 agreement between the U.S. Navy and the civilian science community calling for five submarine deployments to the Arctic for scientific research. SCICEX 95, the first cruise was conducted by USS CAVALLA (SSN 684) from Pearl Harbor. SCICEX 96, the second cruise, was conducted by USS POGY (SSN 647) from San Diego. SCICEX 97, the third cruise, was conducted by USS ARCHERFISH (SSN 678) from Groton, CT. USS HAWKBILL conducted the fourth cruise, SCICEX 98, last year.
The USS HAWKBILL is a Sturgeon-class, Pearl Harbor-based nuclear-powered submarine commanded by CDR Bob Perry. The ship will decommission following the cruise.