U.S. Navy EOD and Divers Brave the Arctic for Intense SNOWCRABEX 2025 Warfare Training

In a bid to enhance combat readiness and proficiency in Arctic conditions, the U.S. Navy has concluded SNOWCRABEX 2025, a rigorous two-week exercise overseen by Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2. This year’s exercise aimed at evaluating Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces’ skills in a simulated Arctic environment, spotlighting improvements in Navy EOD’s (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) efficacy in winter warfare. During the exercise, EOD technicians from Mobile Units 12 and 2, alongside divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, subjected their tactics and equipment to the test against sub-zero temperatures and unpredictable weather.

Lt. Samuel Baker, commander at MDS Co. 2-1, highlighted the multifaceted training elements, including ice diving, skiing, shooting, and equipment sustainment. These elements were part of a broader strategy to ensure the units could successfully operate under extreme conditions typical of Arctic environments. The Department of Defense’s Arctic Strategy 2024 underscores the significance of the Arctic, outlining its critical role in homeland defense and national sovereignty.

Minnesota served as the backdrop for this intensive training, presenting conditions conducive to survival and operational challenges. By testing and refining their equipment, the Navy EOD aimed to bolster their functionality in harsh environments, a process vital for strategic planning and future operation capabilities in Arctic regions. Learning outcomes from SNOWCRABEX 2025 are expected to shape future training protocols and capability requirements.

Cmdr. Garrett Pankow, commander of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2, emphasized the exercise’s value, noting, “Training in these extreme conditions helps reduce the risks associated with Navy EOD operations.” The synchronization with local U.S. Air Force EOD units further ensured effective communication across operating units, a critical component during joint exercises.

In preparing for the exercise, teams underwent avalanche safety and winter mobility training in Utah and Wyoming, equipping them with essential survivability tactics. Divers honed their skills through scenario-based drills, enhancing readiness for real-world applications. The culmination of extensive preparation allowed them to execute complex medical evacuation scenarios, emphasizing their capacity to address casualties in hostile environments.

The exercise also placed significant focus on medical preparedness. Cmdr. Nikunj Bhatt, Undersea Medical Officer and Senior Medical Officer for EOD Group 2, highlighted the work on innovative medical delivery systems using unmanned aerial solutions. These new techniques aim to improve medical response during critical injuries in Arctic settings.

The success of SNOWCRABEX 2025 was bolstered by support from the Minnesota National Guard and Camp Ripley staff, with additional backing from the MN Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force EOD technicians. Such collaborations ensure preparedness for Arctic operations, aligning with the U.S. Navy’s ongoing commitment to maintaining security and facilitating freedom of navigation in the Arctic region.

Throughout the exercise, several other Navy Expeditionary Combat Command units participated, further testing and enhancing their capabilities. EODGRU 2, a part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, remains committed to delivering deployable Navy EOD and diver forces worldwide in support of a broad spectrum of operations.