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386k | Starboard side and overhead plan view of Essex (LHD-2). Image from "U.S. Amphibious Ships and Craft: An Illustrated Design History", by Norman Friedman. |
Robert Hurst | |
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126k | General Alfred M Gray Jr. USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps signs the authentication
plaque at the keel laying ceremony for the Essex (LHD-2) at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS., 20 March 1989. Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo. |
Gerd Matthes | |
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150k | Keel laying ceremony for Essex (LHD-2), 20 March 1989. Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo. |
Gerd Matthes | |
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143k | Christening ceremony for Essex (LHD-2) at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS., 16 March 1991. Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo. |
Gerd Matthes | |
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153k | From left to right; Secretary of Defense Richard B. Cheney, Mary Cheney, Elizabeth Cheney and
ship's sponsor Mrs. Lynne Cheney at the Christening Ceremony for Essex (LHD-2). at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS., 16 March 1991. Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo. |
Gerd Matthes | |
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137k | Mrs. Lynne Cheney, ship's sponsor, christens Essex (LHD-2). at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS., 16 March 1991. Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo. |
Gerd Matthes | |
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128k | Essex (LHD-2) underway probably during builders trials in the Gulf of Mexico, circa early October 1992. Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo. |
Robert Hurst | |
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322k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown. US Navy photo |
David Holst | |
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45k | USS Essex (LHD-2) departing San Diego passing under the Coronado Bridge, date unknown. US Navy photo |
David Holst | |
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341k | An aerial view of the decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS
Ranger (CV-61) in a graving dock at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, Long Beach, CA., 6 October 1993. Moored in the background are the amphibious assault ships
USS Essex (LHD-2), left, and USS Tarawa(LHA-1), right.
Ex-Ranger was being stripped of useful material, sealed and prepped for being towed to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Inactive Storage Facility for
retention in reserve status.
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William Stevens, USN (Ret.) | |
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82k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway in San Diego Bay as she stands out to sea, date unknown. | Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret. | |
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49k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown. US Navy photo |
David Holst | |
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150k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown. US Navy photo |
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33k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown. US Navy photo |
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46k | USS Essex (LHD 2) departing San Diego October, 1994. In the background tied up at NAS North Island are USS Constellation (CV 64) (left) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) (right) | Photo by Dale Haskin | |
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81k | USS Essex (LHD 2) underway off the coast of Southern California in June 1995, location unknown. US Navy photo |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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396k | USNS Sirius (T-AFS-8) conducting and underway replenishment with
USS Essex (LHD-2) in the Arabian Gulf, date unknown.
Photo from USS Essex Cruisebook. |
T.J. Tropea RM1 USN USNS Sirius | |
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51k | an MV-22 Osprey lands on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2) off the coast of Southern California, 26 February 2000. US Navy photo |
Edward Cleary | |
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71k | USS Essex (LHD 2) sails towards Apra Harbor, Guam, for a short visit, 23 June 2000. Essex was on her way to Sasebo, Japan, to complete the Navy's largest dissimilar hull-type crew swap with USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3). The crew of USS Essex brought USS Belleau Wood back to her new homeport of San Diego while the current crew of USS Belleau Wood shifted to USS Essex which will remain at Sasebo. US Navy photo # 000623-N-4106R-002 by PH3 Sean Ryan. |
Bill Gonyo | |
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85k | USS Essex (LHD 2) date and location unknown. | Robert Hurst | |
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91k | USS Essex (LHD 2) during an amphibious exercise a Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) enters Essex's well deck. US Navy photo # 010123-N-5686B-002 by PH2 Crystal M. Brooks. |
Bill Gonyo | |
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69k | HMAS Success (OR-304) in company with
USS Essex (LHD-2) during Exercise TANDEM THRUST 2001.
Royal Australian Navy photo. |
Yu Chu | |
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244k | A busy day for the White Beach Port Facility in Okinawa, Japan as the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2), Japanese Maritime Defense
Force (JMSDF) ships
Shimakaze (DDG 172),
Myoko (DDG 175),
Hamagiri (DD 155) and
Natusio (SS 584) sit moored pierside on 28 February 2003
US Navy photo # 030228-N-3612M-007 by PH1 James G. McCarter |
Robert Hurst | |
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95k | The Essex Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) steaming in formation in the South Pacific, 11 March 2002. USS Essex (LHD-2) is followed by USS Juneau (LPD-10),
USS Germantown (LSD-42) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43). US Navy photo # 1-020311-N-9802B-003 |
Bernard A. Cardali USN, USS LST-308 | |
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146k | Landing Craft, Utility LCU 1631, assigned
to Assault Craft Unit One (ACU)1, prepares to entire the well deck USS Essex (LHD-2), at Sasebo Harbor, Japan,
6 July 2005. Essex is currently participating in Amphibious Specialty Training, which certifies the well deck for operations.
U.S. Navy photo # 050706-N-4772B-009 by JO2 Brian P. Biller. |
Robert Hurst | |
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241k | A Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) assigned to
Assault Craft Unit Five (ACU-5) launches from USS Essex (LHD-2). Essex is conducting operations in support of humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief efforts on the Island of Leyte, following the 17 February landslide that devastated the town of Guinsahugon located in the southern part
of the island. Essex along with the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) are
part of the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force, homeported in Sasebo, Japan.
US Navy photo # 060221-N-5067K-069 Leyte Gulf, Republic of the Philippines (Feb. 21, 2006) by PH1 Michael D. Kennedy. |
Robert Hurst | |
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170k | An unidentified LCAC entering the stern of USS Essex (LHD-2), 6 September 2006, location unknown. | Robert Hurst | |
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97k | USS Essex (LHD-2) departing Busan, Republic of Korea, following a port visit, 8 April 2007. U.S. Navy photo |
Robert Hurst | |
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222k | USS Essex (LHD-2) off Sasebo, Japan, with a AV-8B Harrier II about to land. U.S. Navy photo |
Robert Hurst | |
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145k | Landing craft air cushion LCAC-81 prepares to enter the well deck of dock landing ship
USS Tortuga (LSD-46) after conducting LCAC maintenance turns off the coast of Okinawa,
Japan, 1 March 2007. USS Essex (LHD-2) is in the background. Tortuga and Essex, the Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG), are currently
conducting Blue-Green workups in the first phase of their spring patrol.
US Navy photo # 070301-N-6710M-002 OKINAWA (1 Mar. 2007) by MCSN Brandon Myrick. |
Robert Hurst | |
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262k | USS Essex (LHD-2) conducts a refueling at sea with the Royal Australian Navy replenishment oiler
HMAS Sirius (O 266) as dock landing ship
USS Tortuga (LSD-46) approaches during exercise Talisman Saber, Coral Sea, 15 June 2007
TS07 is a U.S. and Australian-led Joint Task Force operation preparing our militaries for crisis action planning and execution of contingency operations. TS07 is
designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces, demonstrating the U.S. and Australian commitment to our military alliance and
regional security. Essex took on more than 690,000 gallons of diesel fuel from the oiler
US Navy photo #'s 070615-N-4614W-035 CORAL SEA (15 June 2007) and 070615-N-4614W-042 CORAL SEA (15 June 2007) by MC1 Jeremy L. Wood. |
Robert Hurst | |
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524k | A Landing Signal Enlisted (LSE) directs a CH-46E helicopter assigned to
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM-265) as it lifts
off the flight deck of USS Essex (LHD-2). Essex and the embarked
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Sihanoukville for a port call to give Sailors and Marines the opportunity to participate in friendship-building community relations events, medical and dental projects and professional exchanges. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76. US Navy photo # 071126-N-0913B-077 SIHANOUKVILLE, Kingdom of Cambodia (Nov. 26, 2007) by MCSN Andrew Brantley. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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2275k | A Landing Signal Enlisted (LSE) directs a CH-46E helicopter assigned to
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM-265) as it lifts
off the flight deck of USS Essex (LHD-2). Essex and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Sihanoukville for a port call to give Sailors and Marines the opportunity to participate in friendship-building community relations events, medical and dental projects and professional exchanges. US Navy photo # 071126-N-0913B-083 GULF OF THAILAND (Nov. 26, 2007) by MCSN Andrew Brantley. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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3320k | Sailors and Marines board a CH-46E Sea Knight, assigned to
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM-265), after
USS Essex (LHD-2) arrived off the coast of Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia. The Sailors and Marines aboard Essex are departing to one of the two medical and dental community action projects scheduled during the visit. US Navy photo # 071126-N-1778P-021 GULF OF THAILAND (Nov. 26, 2007) by MC2 Drae Parker. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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2244k | USS Essex (LHD-2) steams alongside the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO-197) during a replenishment at sea (RAS) evolution. US Navy photo # 080206-N-0807W-041 PACIFIC OCEAN (February 6, 2008) by MC2 Joshua J. Wahl. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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1042k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway during Exercise Balikatan 2008. The annual bilateral exercise improves interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military during humanitarian, medical and engineering missions. US Navy photo # 080224-N-4010S-106 SOUTH CHINA SEA (February 24, 2008) by MCC Ty Swartz. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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192k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown. | Nicholas Tiberio | |
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1028k | An HH-60H Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Six (HS-6) "Screamin Indians" flies above USS Essex (LHD-2) during an expeditionary strike force (ESF) exercise with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. US Navy photo # 080316-N-3038W-019 EAST CHINA SEA (March 16, 2008) by MCSN John Wagner. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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1863k | USS Essex (LHD-2) steams into position during an Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) exercise in the East China Sea, 16 March 2008. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) recently participated in an ESF with the Essex (LHD 2) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). The ESF exercise was designed to test the ability of the Strike Groups to plan and conduct multi-task force operations across a broad spectrum of naval disciplines and to refresh skills in completing complex missions that require capabilities that are broader in scope than the individual Strike Groups can provide alone. US Navy photo # 80316-N-5484G-010 EAST CHINA SEA (March 16, 2008) by MC3 Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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1185k | The forward-deployed amphibious ship USS Essex (LHD-2) steams through the Andaman Sea. The lead ship in the Essex Amphibious Ready Group is standing by in international waters off the coast of Burma in support of Joint Task Force Caring Response a humanitarian assistance operation developed in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. US Navy photo # 080523-N-4010S-373 ANDAMAN SEA (May 23, 2008) by MCC Ty Swartz. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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1003k | USS Essex (LHD-2) and the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) steam in formation in the Andaman Sea. The Essex ARG is standing by in international waters off the coast of Burma in support of Joint Task Force Caring Response, a humanitarian assistance operation developed in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. US Navy photo # 080523-N-4010S-170 ANDAMAN SEA (May 23, 2008) by MCC Ty Swartz. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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1254k | USS Essex (LHD-2) and the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) steam in formation in the Andaman Sea. The Essex ARG is standing by in international waters off the coast of Burma in support of Joint Task Force Caring Response a humanitarian assistance operation developed in the wake of Cyclone Nargis.. US Navy photo # 080523-N-4010S-323 ANDAMAN SEA (May 23, 2008) by MCC Ty Swartz. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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583k | USS Essex (LHD-2) steams through the Andaman Sea. The lead ship in the Essex Amphibious Ready Group is standing by in international waters off the coast of Burma in support of Joint Task Force Caring Response a humanitarian assistance operation developed in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. US Navy photo # 080523-N-4010S-069 ANDAMAN SEA (May 23, 2008) by MCC Ty Swartz. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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289k | USS Essex (LHD-2) sails through intermittent heavy rain during a transit through the Singapore Strait. Essex, lead ship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, is returning to scheduled operations after leaving the international waters off the coast of Burma. US Navy photo # 080607-N-5067K-099 SINGAPORE STRAIT (June 7, 2008) by MC1 Michael D. Kennedy. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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271k | USS Essex (LHD-2) performs a stern-gate marriage with Landing Craft Utility LCU-1631, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU-1) while back loading elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU-31) while off the coast of Thailand after completing Cobra Gold 2008, 9 June 2008. Cobra Gold is a Thailand/U.S.-sponsored military exercise designed to enhance interoperability between joint U.S. forces and the combined forces of the U.S., Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Indonesia. US Navy photo # 080609-N-IW408-072 by MCSN Kari R. Bergman |
Robert Hurst | |
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774k | Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC-63), assigned to
Assault Craft Unit (ACU-5) Detachment Western Pacific, flies by USS Essex (LHD-2), 26 August 2008, in preparation for up-coming humanitarian disaster relief exercises between the partner nations of the United States and Japan. US Navy photo # 080826-N-0120A-125 TOKYO (Aug. 26, 2008) by MC2 Mark R. Alvarez. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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832k | USS Essex (LHD-2) pulls into Tokyo, 27 August 2008, for a scheduled port visit and disaster management drill. At the request of the Tokyo Metropolitan government, Essex will be involved in the evacuation phase of this year's Tokyo Metropolitan government and Kanagawa Prefecture government disaster response drill. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. US Navy photo # 080827-N-0120A-104 TOKYO (Aug. 27, 2008) by MC2 Mark R. Alvarez. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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1847k | Landing craft air cushion LCAC-63), assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU-5), enters the well deck of USS Essex (LHD-2), 1 September 2008, while transporting simulated evacuees from Yokosuka, Japan. At the request of the Kanagawa Prefecture Government, Essex is participating in the evacuation phase of this year's Kanagawa Prefecture Government disaster response drill. US Navy photo # 080901-N-5253W-002 SEA OF JAPAN (Sept. 1, 2008) by MC3 Gabriel S. Weber. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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1889k | USS Essex (LHD-2) is assisted from her berth by tugs as she departs for a scheduled deployment, 19 September 2008. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed amphibious force commander. US Navy photo # 080919-N-0807W-418 SASEBO, Japan (Sept. 19, 2008) by MC2 Joshua J. Wahl. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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379k | The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD-46) approaches the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO-204), already alongside USS Essex (LHD-2) for a refueling-at-sea, preparing for Cobra Gold 2009. Cobra Gold is an annual Kingdom of Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored military exercise designed to train U.S. and partner Asian-pacific forces. The exercise will include humanitarian projects with participants from Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. US Navy photo # 090206-N-5253W-020 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 6, 2009) by MC2 Gabriel S. Weber. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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289k | The amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD-46), left, and USS Essex (LHD-2), right, steam alongside the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO-204), with the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG-63) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) close behind, during an refueling at sea, preparing for Cobra Gold 2009. Cobra Gold is an annual Kingdom of Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored military exercise designed to train U.S. and partner Asian-pacific forces. The exercise will include humanitarian projects with participants from Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. US Navy photo # 090206-N-5253W-085 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 6, 2009) by MC2 Gabriel S. Weber. |
Robert M. Cieri and Lee Wahler | |
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282k | The amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD-46), left, and the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2), right, receive fuel from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO-204) during a refueling at sea preparing for Cobra Gold 2009. Cobra Gold is an annual Kingdom of Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored military exercise designed to train U.S. and partner Asian-pacific forces. The exercise will include humanitarian projects with participants from Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. US Navy photos; # 090206-N-5253W-127 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 6, 2009) and # 090206-N-5253W-176 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 6, 2009) by MC2 Gabriel S. Weber. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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415k | |||
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336k | The forward deployed USS Essex (LHD-2) center, steams in formation with, from right rear, the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD-46), the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy destroyer escort BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy patrol boat BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG-847), the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy patrol boat BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy logistics support vessel BRP Dagupan City (LC-551) during exercise Balikatan 2009. An annual combined, joint-bilateral exercise involving U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, as well as subject matter experts from Philippine civil defense agencies US Navy photo #'s 090421-N-0120A-206 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2009) by MC2 Mark R. Alvarez 090421-N-9950J-022 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2009) by MC2 Greg Johnson< |
Robert Hurst | |
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271k | |||
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134k | The forward deployed USS Essex (LHD-2) center, steams in formation with, from right rear, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy destroyer escort
BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy patrol boat
BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG-847), the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy patrol boat
BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy logistics support vessel
BRP Dagupan City (LC-551) during exercise Balikatan 2009, which is an annual combined, joint-bilateral exercise involving U.S. Military and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel as well as subject-matter experts from Philippine Civil Defense Agencies. BK09 is the 25th in the series of these exercises, directed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and requested by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Essex, commanded by Capt. Brent Canady, is the lead ship of the Navy's only forward-deployed Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76. US Navy photo # 090421-N-6692A-057 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2009) by MC2 Mark R. Alvarez |
Robert Hurst | |
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1365k | USS Essex (LHD-2) moored at Port Cairns, North Queensland, Australia, circa June/July 2009. | Annette Rolston | |
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142k | Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweeper JS Tsushima (MSO-302)
simulates clearing a path for the forward-deployed Amphibious Assault Ship (Multi-Purpose) USS Essex (LHD-2), 12 November 2009. Tsushima and
Essex are conducting a navigational lead through exercise as part of Annual Exercise 2009.
U.S. Navy photo # 091112-N-2218S-106 by MCSN Andrew Smith |
Robert Hurst | |
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900k | USS Essex (LHD-2) transits the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 2010. Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Cobra Gold 2010, a multinational exercise co-sponsored by the U.S and Thailand. US Navy photo #'s 100208-N-9418A-098 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 8, 2010) and 100208-N-9418A-501 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 8, 2010) by MC3 Taurean Alexander. |
Lee Wahler | |
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821k | |||
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260k | USS Essex (LHD-2), the Royal Thai navy medium landing ship HTMS Surin (LST-722), the Republic of Korea navy tank landing
ship ROKS Seongin Bong (LST-685), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser
USS Shiloh (CG-67), the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship
USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) and the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship
USS Denver (LPD-9) transit in formation in the Gulf of Thailand , 8 February, during exercise Cobra Gold
2010.
U.S. Navy photo # 100208-N-9418A-595 by MC3 Taurean Alexander. |
Robert Hurst | |
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1304k | The Republic of the Philippines navy Jacinto-class corvette ship BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36), left, the Republic of the Philippines navy Bacolod City-class auxiliary ship BRP Dagupan City (LC-551), center, and the Republic of the Philippines navy Cannon-class frigate BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), right, cruise in formation with the amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD-9) and USS Essex (LHD-2) while taking part in exercise Balikatan 2010 (BK 10). BK 10 is an annual, bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability between the U.S. and Republic of the Philippines. US Navy photo # 100314-N-0120A-659 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 14, 2010) by MC2 Mark R. Alvarez. |
Robert Hurst | |
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223k | The Republic of the Philippines navy Bacolod City-class auxiliary ship BRP
Dagupan City (LC-551), cruises in formation with the amphibious transport dock
USS Denver (LPD-9) and the forward-deployed amphibious assault
ship USS Essex (LHD-2) while taking part in exercise Balikpapan 2010 (BK 10). BK 10 is an annual,
bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability between the U.S. and Republic of the Philippines.
US Navy photo # 100314-N-0120A-81 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 14, 2010) by MC2 Mark R. Alvarez. |
Robert Hurst | |
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514k | USS Essex (LHD-2) at anchorage off the coast of White Beach following landing craft air cushion (LCAC) operations. Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is underway preparing for an upcoming patrol. US Navy photo # 100905-N-8113T-057 OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 5, 2010) by MC1 N. Ross Taylor. |
Lee Wahler | |
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150k | The Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE-3) conducts a vertical replenishment with USS Essex (LHD-2). Essex is conducting security patrols during her scheduled deployment. US Navy photo # 101002-N-YO446-041, Pacific Ocean, (Oct.2, 2010) by MC1 N. Ross Taylor |
Ron Reeves | |
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1281k | USS Essex (LHD-2) under way in the western Pacific Ocean with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. Essex is the lead ship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group. US Navy photo # 110206-N-6692A-140 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb 06, 2011) by MC1 Geronimo C. Aquino. |
Lee Wahler | |
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1412k | USS Essex (LHD-2) transits off the coast of northeastern Japan with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship
JS Hyuga (DDH-181). Essex and the embarked
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) is operating off the coast of Kesenuma in support of Operation Tomodachi US Navy photo # 110406-N-0120A-361 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 6, 2011) by MC2 Mark R. Alvarez. |
Ron Reeves | |
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429k | USS Essex (LHD-2) leaves port for Sasebo to be relieved by USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6). The Essex amphibious ready group is preparing to participate in Balikatan 2012, an annual bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability between the U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines. US Navy photo # 120405-N-SS993-069 OKINAWA, Japan (April 5, 2012) by MC2 Eric Crosby. |
Lee Wahler | |
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170k | USS Essex (LHD-2) and USS Howard (DDG-83) moored pierside at Naval Station San Diego in July 2012 | Richard Miller BMCS USNR (Ret) | |
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174k | USS Essex (LHD-2) and the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) are underway in close formation during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. US Navy photo # 120727-N-LP801-095 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 27, 2012) by MC3 Raul Moreno Jr. |
Robert M. Cieri | |
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189k | Sailors man the rails aboard USS Essex (LHD-2) during Seattle Seafair. Seafair is an annual celebration that allows the local community to meet and interact with maritime forces from the U.S. and Canada. US Navy photo # 140730-N-JP249-039 SEATTLE (July 30, 2014) by MC2 Kenan O'Connor. |
Ron Reeves | |
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161k | The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) participates in a simulated straits transit.
The Essex ARG consists of USS Essex (LHD-2),
the San Antonio-class transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23),
and the Whidbey Island-class amphibious landing dock ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47).
The Essex ARG is underway conducting an amphibious squadron and Marine expeditionary unit integration training exercise with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3
and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
US Navy photo # 150228-N-YK910-007 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 28, 2015) ) by MC2 Christopher B. Janik. |
Lee Wahler | |
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273k | USS Essex (LHD-2) front, the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship
USS Rushmore (LSD-47) and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship
USS Anchorage (LPD-23) conduct a simulated strait transit. Essex is underway participating in a composite training unit exercise with the
Essex Amphibious Ready Group. US Navy photo # 150323-N-MD297-190 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 23, 2015) by MC3 Huey D. Younger Jr. |
Lee Wahler | |
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1013k | The fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO-187) conducts a replenishment-at-sea
with the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47) and
USS Essex (LHD-2). Essex and Rushmore underway participating
in a certification exercise with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group. US Navy photo # 150415-N-SF984-096 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 15, 2015) by MCSN Chelsea Troy Milburn. |
Lee Wahler | |
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3970k | USS Essex (LHD-2) conducts maneuvers in the Pacific Ocean during a strait transit exercise. Essex is underway participating
in a certification exercise with the Essex Amphibious Group. US Navy photo # 150416-N-IC565-092 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 16, 2015) by MC3 Bradley J. Gee. |
Lee Wahler | |
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1381k | USS Essex (LHD-2) departs San Diego for a deployment in support of the Navy's maritime strategy. Essex is the
command ship for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 and the
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) from the Essex Amphibious Ready Group.
US Navy photo # 150511-N-SV210-215 SAN DIEGO (May 11, 2015) by MCCS Donnie W. Ryan. |
Lee Wahler | |
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914k | USS Essex (LHD-2) and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship
USS Anchorage (LPD-23) steam off the coast of Hawaii. Essex is the
flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU),
is currently operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.
US Navy photo # 151206-N-BD107-285 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 6, 2015) by MC2 Liam Kennedy. |
Ron Reeves | |
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270k | USS Essex (LHD-2) passes through the Golden Gate as she enters San Francisco Bay for the parade of ships during Fleet Week San
Francisco. Fleet Week provides an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard team and to experience America's sea services. Fleet Week San Francisco will highlight naval personnel, equipment, technology, and capabilities, with an emphasis on humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
US Navy photo # 171006-N-FB203-122 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 6, 2017) by MC2 Sean P. Gallagher. |
Lee Wahler | |
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201k | USS Essex (LHD-2) departs San Diego Bay in preparation for Exercise Dawn Blitz 2017. Dawn Blitz is a scenario-driven exercise
designed to train and integrate Navy and Marine Corps units by providing a robust training environment where forces plan and execute an amphibious assault, engage in
live-fire events, and establish expeditionary advanced bases in a land and maritime threat environment to improve naval amphibious core competencies.
US Navy photo # 171020-N-GZ228-032 SAN DIEGO (Oct. 20, 2017) by MC2 Jesse Monford. |
Lee Wahler | |
![]() 180326-N-RP442-128 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 26, 2018) |
342k | USS Essex (LHD-2) under way in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California during an amphibious squadron and
Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) integration (PMINT) exercise. PMINT is a training evolution between Essex Amphibious Ready Group and
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit 13th MEU, which allows Sailors and Marines to train as a cohesive unit in preparation for their upcoming deployment.
US Navy photo #'s 180326-N-RP442-128 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 26, 2018) and 180329-N-RP442-166 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 29, 2018) by MCSN Jenna Dobson. |
Lee Wahler | |
![]() 180329-N-RP442-166 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 29, 2018) |
204k | |||
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214k | USS Essex (LHD-2) sails alongside the aircraft carrier USS
John C. Stennis (CVN-74) in the Arabian Sea, 14 December 2018. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, Essex Amphibious Ready Group, and
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting integrated operations in the Arabian Sea to ensure stability
and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
US Navy photo # 181214-N-DA693-0157 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 14, 2018) by MC3 Jake Greenberg. |
Lee Wahler | |
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194k | An MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron
(VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepares to land aboard USS Essex (LHD-2) in the Arabian Sea, 14 December 2018. Essex Amphibious Ready Group, and
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting integrated operations in the Arabian Sea to ensure stability
and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
US Navy photo # 181214-N-HS117-0749 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 14, 2018) by MCSN Jeffery L. Southerland. |
Lee Wahler | |
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275k | USS Essex (LHD-2) under way in the Arabian Sea, 14 December 2018. Essex Amphibious Ready Group, John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting integrated operations in the Arabian Sea to ensure stability
and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
US Navy photo # 181214-N-YW238-1147 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 14, 2018) by MC3 Connor D. Loessin. |
Lee Wahler | |
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202k | USS Essex (LHD-2) returns to Naval Station San Diego, 1 March 2019. Essex, with embarked
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is returning from a deployment to the western Pacific and Middle
East. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Pacific region routinely for more than 70 years promoting peace and security.
US Navy photo # 190301-N-GZ228-015 CORONADO, Calif. (March 1, 2019) by MC2 Jesse Monford. |
Lee Wahler | |
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202k | USS Essex (LHD-2) underway in the harbor at San Diego, CA. the morning of 17 July 2020
SanDiegolive.com |
Chin Yu Chu | |
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95k | USS Essex (LHD-2) arriving at Pearl Harbor, 10 August 2020, with vintage aircraft for a series of three upcoming Legacy of Peace Aerial Parades
around Oahu, part of the 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII that will culminate with the official ceremony aboard the museum ship
USS Missouri (BB-63) on 2 September 2020. The events will have more than a dozen vintage warbirds take
part including a B-25 bomber, some T-6 Texans and a former Navy PBY Catalina flying boat. The rare aviation classics came from the mainland and arrived at Pearl Harbor
via Essex on Monday. Flyovers of the Warbirds will include: Around Oahu (Aug. 29), Connecting the Military Bases (Aug. 30), and over the Battleship
Missouri Memorial, Pearl Harbor to Waikiki (Sept. 2).
US Navy photo by MC2 Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago |
Tommy Trampp | |
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70k | A B-25 being lifted from the deck of USS Essex (LHD-2), 10 August 2020.
US Navy photo by MC2 Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago |
Tommy Trampp | |
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98k | North American T-6 Texans, part of a group known as the “Warbirds,” sit on the pier at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after being offloaded
from USS Essex (LHD-2) for the 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII.
US Navy photo by MC2 Jessica O. Blackwell |
Tommy Trampp | |
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210k | Essex (LHD-2) departing San Diego, 2 December 2020.
San Diego WebCam |
Chin Yu Chu | |
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216k | |||
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215k | USS Essex (LHD-2) approaches the Royal Australian Navy Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) Ship
HMAS Supply (A195) to begin a UNREP (Underway Replenishment at Sea), 22 July 2022.
Royal Australian Navy photo byLeading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez. |
Robert Hurst |
|
Commanding Officers | ||
01 | CAPT. Berg, Ronald Vincent, USN | 17 October 1992 - 2 February 1994 |
02 | CAPT. Cassidy, John Alexander, USN | 2 February 1994 - 20 October 1995 |
03 | CAPT. Radich, Thomas Francis, USN (USNA 1971) | 20 October 1995 - 16 May 1997 |
04 | CAPT. Winns, Anthony Lee, USN (USNA 1978) :RADM | 16 May 1997 - 19 November 1998 |
05 | CAPT. Gilmore, Stephen Douglas, USN (USNA 1974) | 19 November 1998 - 17 May 2000 |
06 | CAPT. Gilman, Robert John, USN (USNA 1977) | 17 May 2000 - 26 July 2000 (hull swap with LHA-3) |
07 | CAPT. Parker, Thomas Anthony, USN | 26 July 2000 - 18 October 2000 |
08 | CAPT. Berg, Scott Alan, USN | 18 October 2000 - 17 April 2002 |
09 | CAPT. Evans, Ronald Richard, USN | 17 April 2002 - 22 August 2003 |
10 | CAPT. Van Tol, Jan Maarten, USN | 22 August 2003 - 27 February 2005 |
11 | CAPT. Keaney, Martin Joseph, USN | 27 February 2005 - 1 August 2006 |
12 | CAPT. Donegan, Brian Thomas, USN (USNA 1983) | 1 August 2006 - 4 February 2008 |
13 | CDR. Canady, Kerry Brent, USN (USNA 1984) | 4 February 2008 - 13 August 2009 |
14 | CAPT. Hart, Troy Leslie, USN | 13 August 2009 - 20 January 2011 |
15 | CAPT. Fluker, David Paul, USN (USNA 1987) | 20 January 2011 - 23 April 2012 (hull swap with LHD-6) |
16 | CAPT. Litchfield, Charles Evan (Chuck), USN (USNA 1988) | 23 April 2012 - 18 June 2012 (relieved for cause) |
17 | CAPT. Harnden Jr., Jonathan Lance, USN (USNA 1986) | 18 June 2012 - 16 November 2012 |
18 | CAPT. Jenkins, Joker Lee, USN (USNA 1989) | 16 November 2012 - 28 May 2014 |
19 | CAPT. Mantz, Peter M., USN | 28 May 2014 - 17 October 2015 |
20 | CAPT. Quin, Brian James, USN | 17 October 2015 - 2 June 2017 |
21 | CAPT. Burns, Jason A., USN | 2 June 2017 - 6 July 2018 |
22 | CAPT. Mutty, Brian Thomas, USN :RADM | 6 July 2018 - 26 September 2019 |
23 | CAPT. Kelley, Aaron Ray, USN (USNA 1996) | 26 September 2019 - 22 January 2021 |
24 | CAPT. Fletcher, Kelly T., USN | 22 January 2021 - 9 May 2022 |
25 | CAPT. Taylor, Aaron J., USN | 9 May 2022 - 10 August 2023 |
26 | CAPT. Liebold, Wayne Patrick, USN | 10 August 2023 - |
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