CNO Awards Historic First Arctic Service Medal to Brave Submariners

The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, awarded the newly created Arctic Service Medal to submariners and civilians on Sept. 17. This accolade honors their exceptional service and dedication during Arctic operations.

The medal acknowledges their significant contributions to national security and maritime superiority in the Arctic region. Recipients included the crew of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Indiana (SSN-789), personnel from Naval Submarine Base New London, and civilians from Undersea Warfare Development Center and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

“Thank you for answering our nation’s call to service and being part of America’s Warfighting Navy,” Franchetti stated. “I am incredibly proud of the exceptional work you did in the Arctic Circle.”

Adm. Franchetti emphasized the achievements during ICE CAMP 2024. The USS Indiana crew executed successful joint exercises and vital data collection, showcasing the Navy’s Arctic operational capability.

Franchetti highlighted the Arctic’s strategic importance to U.S. national security, stressing the Navy’s role in maintaining a free and open Arctic region. She reiterated the Navy’s commitment to enhancing Arctic capabilities through investment in sensors, intelligence, and joint exercises with allied forces.

The Arctic Service Medal is awarded to Navy and Marine Corps members for specific operations, including ice-covered strait transits and vertical surfacings through ice. It also honors those who participated in ICE CAMP or similar operations.

Cmdr. Kyle McVay, Commanding Officer of USS Indiana, expressed pride in his crew’s accomplishments. “The Arctic Service Medal is a testament to our sailors’ hard work and dedication,” he said.

This new medal underscores the Arctic’s importance in the U.S. National Defense Strategy and the Navy’s ongoing efforts to ensure navigation freedom and security in this crucial area.