by ICEX Public Affairs
ARCTIC CIRCLE - A 2011 Tomball High School graduate and Tomball, Texas, native recently participated in a unique Navy mission at the top of the world aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Hartford (SSN 768).
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Deciderio Ugalde (second from left) is a torpedoman’s mate serving aboard one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines in the U.S. Navy. Hartford is one of two U.S. submarines that participated in the Navy’s biennial Ice Exercise (ICEX) above the Arctic Circle. The ICEX is designed to give submarines and opportunity to train and maintain readiness in the unique, ice-covers waters of the Arctic Ocean.
ARCTIC CIRCLE - A 2011 Tomball High School graduate and Tomball, Texas, native recently participated in a unique Navy mission at the top of the world aboard one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Hartford (SSN 768).
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Deciderio Ugalde (second from left) is a torpedoman’s mate serving aboard one of 40 Los Angeles-class submarines in the U.S. Navy. Hartford is one of two U.S. submarines that participated in the Navy’s biennial Ice Exercise (ICEX) above the Arctic Circle. The ICEX is designed to give submarines and opportunity to train and maintain readiness in the unique, ice-covers waters of the Arctic Ocean.
As a torpedoman’s mate, Ugalde provides security in port or out to sea. In port, his job is to maintain all small arms and train sailors how to use them. Out to sea, he is responsible for launching torpedoes or missiles when needed.
When asked about his favorite part of his job, Ugalde said, “You always have something to learn. You will never know everything so it keeps you very busy.”
The Hartford Sailors who participated in ICEX transited 7,000 miles through icebergs and frigid water to reach the exercise location in the Beaufort Sea. Navigating Arctic waters is no easy feat because of constant salinity and cold water changes and the ice above makes surfacing a complicated task.
During the five-week ICEX, participants conducted multiple Arctic transits, surfaced near the North Pole, collected scientific data and learned from multiple training evolutions. The Sailors practiced key skills and tested new Navy technology, tactics and procedures (TTPs) that will ensure that not only Hartford can operate in the Arctic, but that other submarines and TTP developers in the force learn from their experience and feedback.
During the exercise, Ugalde will train other people in his division to make sure they know how to properly shoot weapons on the sub.
Hartford, with a crew of 142 Sailors, is 360-feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at nearly 30 mph.
Attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
Ugalde’s proudest accomplishment on deployment will be able to travel to the North Pole and conduct missions under the ice.
Submariners are some of the most highly-trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly-technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
When asked why he joined the military, Ugalde said, “I wanted to see different places in the world and it just feels good to know what I do makes a difference; it makes me feel good about myself.”
Once Ugalde is back from deployment, his goal is to buy a project truck and rebuild it from the bottom up.
When asked about his favorite part of his job, Ugalde said, “You always have something to learn. You will never know everything so it keeps you very busy.”
The Hartford Sailors who participated in ICEX transited 7,000 miles through icebergs and frigid water to reach the exercise location in the Beaufort Sea. Navigating Arctic waters is no easy feat because of constant salinity and cold water changes and the ice above makes surfacing a complicated task.
During the five-week ICEX, participants conducted multiple Arctic transits, surfaced near the North Pole, collected scientific data and learned from multiple training evolutions. The Sailors practiced key skills and tested new Navy technology, tactics and procedures (TTPs) that will ensure that not only Hartford can operate in the Arctic, but that other submarines and TTP developers in the force learn from their experience and feedback.
During the exercise, Ugalde will train other people in his division to make sure they know how to properly shoot weapons on the sub.
Hartford, with a crew of 142 Sailors, is 360-feet long and weighs approximately 6,900 tons. A nuclear-powered propulsion system helps push the submarine through the water at nearly 30 mph.
Attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare.
Ugalde’s proudest accomplishment on deployment will be able to travel to the North Pole and conduct missions under the ice.
Submariners are some of the most highly-trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly-technical and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.
When asked why he joined the military, Ugalde said, “I wanted to see different places in the world and it just feels good to know what I do makes a difference; it makes me feel good about myself.”
Once Ugalde is back from deployment, his goal is to buy a project truck and rebuild it from the bottom up.