BEAUFORT SEA, Arctic Circle (March 6, 2022) Cmdr. Dan McNab, left, commanding officer of the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786), shakes the hand of Meredith Berger, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, during Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022 with the submarine moored to Arctic Ocean ice in the background. 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)