Navy Releases Roadmap for Future Arctic Operations: "The vice chief of naval operations has released a new roadmap that will guide Navy policy, strategy and investments related to a changing Arctic.
The Arctic roadmap was developed by the Navy's Task Force Climate Change, a matrixed organization that includes representatives from various staff and program offices and the operational fleet, with the collaboration of the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
'As the Arctic Ocean continues to show a long-term trend in sea ice decline, the potential for increased human access and activity in the region will some day likely require a greater Navy presence there to protect national interests,' said Rear Adm. Dave Titley, oceanographer of the Navy, who is leading the task force.
Although the Arctic remains a challenging environment, the potential for resource extraction, like oil, gas, and minerals, and the attraction of significantly shorter shipping routes, will likely attract commercial interests."
