160312-N-FV245-007 Arctic Circle (March 15, 2016) - Hull Technician 2nd Class Joseph Deacon, assigned to Arctic Submarine Lab, hold up the Hull Technician rating symbol after mining for ice during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016. ICEX 2016 is a five-week exercise designed to research, test, and evaluate operational capabilities in the region. ICEX 2016 allows the U.S. Navy to assess operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region, advance understanding of the Arctic Environment, and develop partnerships and collaborative efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Electricians Technician 2nd Class Nate Madlem)