Under the command of LCDR John H. Nicholson, SARGO commenced the Winter Arctic Exploration in January 1960, transiting through the Bering and Chuckchi Seas to the North Pole.  When she returned the ship had logged 11,136 miles, 6003 miles under the ice, and all but 300 miles submerged.  The winter Arctic Ocean was a great unknown and SARGO collected extensive scientific data.  Arriving at the North Pole, on 09 Feb 1960 she surfaced through 36 inches of ice, establishing the U.S. Navy's capability for year-round access to the Arctic Basin, from the Pacific Ocean. Read VADM Nicholson's Recounting of this Historic Cruise