After recently integrating with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) continued PHIBRON (Amphibious Squadron)-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) and certifications during a 16-day underway in preparation for its upcoming 2015 deployment.

The ARG completed a simulated beach raid, two straits transits and Marine AV-8B ordnance loading as well as nighttime flight operations training to further its capabilities as a highly-qualified amphibious assault ship.

To make the beach raid possible, deck department worked with the Marines by assisting the launch of landing craft air cushion (LCACs) and combat rubber raiding craft (CRRCs) from the ship's well deck.

"We embraced the true mission of Essex by embarking and landing Marines on the beach during the simulated amphibious assault," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Richard Leivas. "Our guys receive a lot of beneficial training from these evolutions, and this was a really successful step in preparing them for our upcoming deployment."

The beach raid is conducted to simulate an actual amphibious assault, and for many of the Marines aboard, this is their first time participating in joint-service amphibious operations.

"This is new to a lot of our guys and this has been a unique experience getting everything set up with the timelines to launch the CRRCs," said Cpl. Jeffrey Bergstaller, Marine Recon Force Detachment. "All in all we had a successful landing and raid, and every one of our guys performed really well. These kinds of events really give us an opportunity to train like it's the real scenario."

Essex also completed two simulated straits transits with USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47), allowing the ARG to work together cohesively across multiple platforms.

"The straits transit exercises provide an excellent opportunity for all of the ships in the ARG to fine tune their teams and coordinate efforts to ensure that all personnel are ready to execute during future evolutions," said Master Chief Quartermaster Ryan Curylo. "The ARG Navy and Marine Corps team performed outstanding, and a lot of lessons were learned that can be implemented in the future during real-world straits transits."

The ship's navigation team worked 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of the ship and crew and, along with the MEU the quartermasters, received hands-on training during a straits transit.

"You can do all of the book training and studying that you want, but being able to be a part of these straits transits really gave me the training that we need as QM's," said Quartermaster Seaman Robert Boettcher. "Now when it comes time for us to go on deployment, I will definitely feel a lot more prepared when we do this again."

Weapons and air department worked in tandem with the Marine Air Combat Element (ACE) ordnance team during the underway by certifying AV-8B Harrier pilots and ordnance crew for night operations and integrating with Navy personnel.

"One of the final qualifications we had to complete was certifying AV-8B Harriers for night operations," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Zebulon Petties. "As a part of this certification, we worked in conjunction with weapons department and the ACE ordnance team to prepare the Harriers for takeoff and landing with ordnance while the ACE armed the Harriers with GBU-38 bombs as a part of their training and exercises. It was a really great experience for everyone involved, and we are really looking forward to working with the ACE during deployment."

As the Essex ARG approaches its upcoming deployment, it will soon complete final certifications and be ready for its first deployment in nearly three years.

"The morale here on Essex has been high since I walked in the door," said Command Master Chief Pete Santos. "It has been a thrill seeing the successful integration with our Marine counterparts and seeing everybody working together as a cohesive unit throughout our recent certifications and inspections, and that is what is going to set the stage for a positive deployment."

For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/.