Grayslake native sails in Arctic during submarine mission

A 1999 Grayslake Community High School graduate and Grayslake native recently participated in an unique Navy mission at the top of the world aboard one of the world's most advanced nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, USS Hartford.

Lt. Cmdr. Steven A. Halle is the executive officer 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 above the Arctic Circle. The ICEX is designed to give submarines an opportunity to train and maintain readiness in the unique, ice-covered waters of the Arctic Ocean.

As the executive officer, Halle is second in command and acts as an adviser to the commanding officer, providing council for operational and personnel decisions. He is responsible for managing administration, manpower and training for the crew to maintain war-fighting readiness. As an integral part of a team, he works closely with Wardroom officers and the Chief of the Boat, who is the senior and principal enlisted adviser for the commanding officer.

"I truly enjoy interacting with the crew and training them for mission operations," Halle said when asked about his favorite part of his job. "Submarines are among the most complicated platforms in the world. The design, construction, procedures, and advanced tactics associated with operating a submarine are unlike nothing most crew members have seen before.

"There is nothing I enjoy more than teaching a complex idea to a junior sailor and witnessing their realization and understanding of the topic," he added.

"We rely on every member of the crew to safely operate under the ocean, and it's the rigorous training that ensures our success."

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, or "TTPs," that will ensure not only that Hartford can operate in the Arctic, but that other submarines and TTP developers in the force learn from their experience and feedback.

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.

Halle's proudest accomplishment on deployment was seeing his crew maintain their motivation through this arduous time period.

"For some of the Hartford team, this is their second ICEX and resulted in a high operational tempo. Most sailors have spent significant time away from home, and yet they still maintain a positive attitude and strong camaraderie with each other," he said.

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.

Halle has military ties with family members who previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.

"My Uncle Dan served as a Supply Officer in the Navy, but he did not have the luxury of serving onboard a submarine," Halle said.

When asked why he joined the military, Halle said it was the opportunity for a technical education and life experiences.

"At the time, it seemed more intriguing than college," he said. "The idea of wearing a uniform and serving my country further motivated my decision."

Halle's top interests revolve around his wife and kids.

"I have four lovable redheads that I enjoy spending time with outdoors," he said. "We love to be outside, even if we end up skiing in sleeting rain in Vermont and enduring a breezy beach early in the spring."

Halle and his wife, Alissa Halle, reside in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. His father, Arthur "Art" William Halle, Jr., lives in Lake Villa.

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