BEAUFORT SEA, Arctic Circle (March 5, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786) and members of Arctic Submarine Laboratory shovel snow in the Arctic to free the boat's hatches from the ice during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022. ICEX 2022 is a three-week exercise that allows the Navy to assess its operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region, advance understanding of the Arctic environment, and continue to develop relationships with other services, allies, and partner organizations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alfred Coffield)