Naval Ice Center (NIC), NAVOCEANCOMFAC

The Naval Ice Center (NIC), part of the Naval Oceanography Command Facility (NAVOCEANCOMFAC), has its origins in the U.S. Navy’s longstanding need for accurate ice and oceanographic data to support naval operations in polar regions. Established during the Cold War, NIC was critical in providing timely, actionable ice analyses and forecasts to ensure the safe navigation of submarines and surface vessels, particularly in Arctic and Antarctic waters. Over the decades, NIC has collaborated with national and international partners, including the National Ice Center, to integrate satellite imagery and advanced modeling into its support capabilities. Today, the unit remains a vital element of naval operations, supplying real-time ice intelligence for fleet operations, scientific missions, and strategic planning.