Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines Oct. 22 to offload elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) for participation in Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX).
Eighteen Sailors became U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Oct. 31.
Sailors and Marines aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) celebrated the Marine Corps' 236th birthday at sea on the ship's flight deck Nov. 10.
Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and guided missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 20, for a port visit during their deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) returned to Sasebo, Japan Dec. 8 after completing a two-and-a-half month patrol of the Western Pacific.
A Japanese painter expressed his appreciation of forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and its role in Operation Tomodachi by presenting a painting to the command, Dec. 13.
The Republic of Korea consulate general and the principal officer U.S. Consulate Fukuoka visited forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Dec. 29.
USS Essex (LHD 2) hosted a lunch for over 100 personnel assigned to the Japan Regional Maintenance Center (JRMC) detachment Sasebo, Jan. 18. The lunch was held to thank the team for their services to Essex during more than 11 forward-deployed years to Sasebo, Japan.
The commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 visited forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Jan. 23 to discuss the upcoming hull swap with USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).