Shiloh native, Mascoutah graduate participates in Ice Exercise 2022 in Arctic Ocean

A Shiloh native is serving with Commander, Operational Test & Evaluation Force supporting Ice Exercise 2022 in the Arctic Ocean.

ICEX 2022 is a three-week exercise designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the Arctic region.

Lt. Anthony Reid joined the Navy 12 years ago for the opportunities military service has to offer.

“My father served in the Air Force for 22 years and I knew the benefits of military service,” said Reid. “I chose the Navy for the opportunity to see the world while gaining valuable training and education.”

Reid, a 2006 Mascoutah High School graduate, has taken the skills learned from education and those learned in Shiloh to become the sailor they are today.

“Growing up in my hometown, both of my parents worked, which taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic,” said Reid. “While playing sports, I learned the importance of teamwork and working hard to achieve your goals.”

Reid serves as a submarine officer.

“My favorite part about being in the Submarine Force, is serving in a close-knit community with a rich history,” said Reid. “I have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of highly trained sailors on a regular basis.”

According to Navy officials, U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel are participating in the exercise alongside personnel from the Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and United Kingdom Royal Navy.

During the exercise, personnel will conduct research and operations in the Arctic Region. A temporary ice camp named Ice Camp Queenfish is being established which consists of shelters, a command center, and infrastructure to safely house and support more than 60 personnel at any one time.

“The Arctic region can be unforgiving and challenging like no other place on Earth,” said Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander of the Navy’s Undersea Warfighting Development Center in Groton, Connecticut, and the ranking officer of ICEX 2022.

“It’s also changing and becoming more active with maritime activity. ICEX 2022 provides the Navy an opportunity to increase capability and readiness in this unique environment, and to continue establishing best practices we can share with partners and allies who share the U.S.’s goal of a free and peaceful Arctic.”

Serving in the Navy means Reid is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national defense by having highly skilled sailors working day and night globally to support our allies, deter adversaries and maintain maritime superiority,” said Reid.

There are many opportunities for sailors to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I am most proud of qualifying in Submarine Warfare and earning my “Gold Dolphins”’, said Reid. “I learned a great deal in the process from the crew, enlisted and officers. It showed that I learned their trust to operate a billion dollar submarine.”

‘I am very proud to serve in the Navy’

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Reid, as well as other sailors, know they are part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe for generations of sailors who will follow.

“I am very proud to serve in the Navy,” added Reid. “It has allowed me to grow personally and professionally while protecting our country.”

Reid is a 2009 graduate of Southwestern Illinois College and 2016 University of Kansas graduate.

This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 10:50 AM.