Lt. Amanda Gallo, a Waterford resident, is serving with Undersea Warfighting Development Center Tactical Analysis Group supporting Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022 in the Arctic Ocean.

ICEX 2022 is a three-week exercise designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the Arctic region.

“I joined the Navy to do something extraordinary, something most people would never get the chance to do and to make a difference doing it,” said Gallo.

Gallo serves as the Publications Director for submarine doctrine.

“My favorite part of the job is the camaraderie associated with the submarine force and the people we work with,” said Gallo. “The friendships I’ve made, mentors I’ve had, and the mentor I have become has made all the difference. ”

During the exercise, personnel will conduct research and operations in the Arctic Region. A temporary ice camp named Ice Camp Queenfish is being established which consists of shelters, a command center and infrastructure to safely house and support more than 60 personnel at any one time.

“The Arctic region can be unforgiving and challenging like no other place on Earth,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander of the Navy’s Undersea Warfighting Development Center in Groton, and the ranking officer of ICEX 2022. “ICEX 2022 provides the Navy an opportunity to increase capability and readiness in this unique environment.”

“My wheelhouse is strategic deterrence, my first tour was spent on patrol training to do a job we hoped to never do,” said Gallo. “Then I joined my crew in overhaul, upgrading sonar and tactical systems to keep up with modern warfare and replenishing fuel for the reactor. This major project enables submarines to maintain readiness and extend their lifecycle, ensuring continued presence around the world.”

In addition to their Navy service, Gallo serves as a volunteer firefighter in Connecticut, is pursuing a master’s degree in Underwater Acoustics, earned a black belt in Taekwondo last year and is a qualified member of the submarine’s Emergency Medical Assistance Team.

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