# Army and Navy Labs Test Extreme-Cold Base Camps

Army and Navy researchers tested upgrades to Expeditionary TRICON Systems (ETS), which support expeditionary base-camp life-support functions. Multiple configurations remained operational at −65°F, exceeding the stated objective of operation at −50°F. The work highlights military interest in evaluating and hardening expeditionary facilities for extreme-cold conditions, but the announcement includes no solicitation, contract award, or funding value.

- The testing involved the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) and the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC).
- Companies with relevant cold-weather engineering or equipment-evaluation capabilities can assess whether CRREL’s ICEBOX testing service is applicable to their offerings; the article does not announce a procurement opportunity.
- The −65°F test result may inform future performance expectations for expeditionary life-support systems operating in severe cold.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL)
- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC)

### Key Quotes
> In our facilities here at CRREL, we can simulate cold extremes that would be very dangerous to operate in while in the field. This research allows our warfighters to be better prepared for the real experience when there are lives at stake.
> — Dan Tague, Research Chemist, CRREL

### Sources
- [
	Army and Navy research labs work to improve extreme cold capability of base camp facilities > Engineer Research and Development Center > News Stories
](https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/4619981/army-and-navy-research-labs-work-to-improve-extreme-cold-capability-of-base-cam/) - Usace