Estonian and U.S. Navy divers brave freezing waters in high-stakes ice camp

Estonian Navy divers have concluded a week-long 'ice camp' at Rummu Quarry, assessing their skills in frigid conditions. This year's exercises incorporated a novel addition: a team of U.S. Navy construction divers collaborating with Estonian forces for the first time. The drills concentrated on managing underwater explosives beneath thick ice—a challenge even for seasoned professionals.

The annual ice camp has been a staple for Estonia's diving unit for over a decade. Their core mission involves identifying and neutralizing sea mines and other explosive hazards on the seabed, regardless of harsh winter conditions. Lt. Indrek Paju, the unit's commander, emphasized that freezing temperatures and ice cover add complexity but don't hinder operations.

For the first time, U.S. Senior Chief Petty Officer Keith Reed and his team participated in the exercises. Reed, a divemaster, noted that while his unit regularly clears underwater obstacles with explosives, ice blasting presented a fresh challenge. The Estonian Rescue Board's demining experts also joined the drills, working alongside the naval divers.

This type of training isn't unique to Estonia. Over the past five years, at least 12 countries—including the US, Canada, Norway, and Germany—have engaged in similar icy underwater exercises. Organizations like NATO and the Arctic Council have also conducted programs such as Cold Response and Dynamic Manta, focusing on demolition in extreme environments.

The exercises at Rummu Quarry strengthened cooperation between Estonian and U.S. forces. Divers honed their ability to operate under ice, a skill crucial for real-world mine clearance missions. With international participation growing, such drills are becoming a key component of Arctic defence training.