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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS Essex (LHD-2)

International Radio Call Sign:
November - Echo - Sierra - Xray
NESX
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons



Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation
Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (7)
Second Row - National Defense Service Medal - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2) - Southwest Asia Service Medal (2)
Third Row - Humanitarian Medal (Operation Unified Assistance, Tsunami Relief 2005) - Sea Service Deployment Medal - Overseas Service Medal (10)


Wasp Class Amphibious Assault Ship (Multi-Purpose):
  • Laid down, 20 March 1989, at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. Pascagoula, MS.
  • Launched, 23 February 1991
  • Commissioned USS Essex (LHD-2), 17 October 1992
  • Essex is homeported at San Diego, CA.
    Specifications:
    Displacement 40,650 tons (fl.)
    Length 844'
    Beam 105'
    Speed 20 kts.+
    Complement 104 Officer, 1004 Enlisted
    Marine Force 1894 (plus 184 surge)
    Armament
    two RAM launchers
    two NATO Sea Sparrow launchers
    three 20mm Phalanx (CIWS) mounts
    four .50cal. machine guns
    Aircraft
    twelve CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopters
    four CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters
    six AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft
    three UH-1N Huey helicopters
    four AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters
    planned capability to embark MV-22 Osprey VTOL tilt-rotors
    Propulsion
    two 600 psi boilers
    two geared steam turbines
    two shafts
    70,000 total shaft horsepower

    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image
    Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 150k Keel laying ceremony for Essex (LHD-2), 20 March 1989.
    Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo.
    Gerd Matthes
    Essex 143k Christening ceremony for Essex (LHD-2) at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS., 16 March 1991.
    Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo.
    Gerd Matthes
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 128k Essex (LHD-2) underway probably during builders trials in the Gulf of Mexico, circa early October 1992.
    Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding photo.
    Robert Hurst
    Essex 80k
    Essex 322k USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo
    David Holst
    Essex 45k USS Essex (LHD-2) departing San Diego passing under the Coronado Bridge, date unknown.
    US Navy photo
    David Holst
    Ex-CV-61 Ranger 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.
    Defenseimagery.mil VIRIN DN-ST-94-00735, by PH2 R.J. Davis.

    William Stevens, USN (Ret.)
    Essex 82k USS Essex (LHD-2) underway in San Diego Bay as she stands out to sea, date unknown. Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
    Essex 49k USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo
    David Holst
    Essex 150k USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo
     
    Essex 33k USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo
     
    Essex 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
    Essex 81k USS Essex (LHD 2) underway off the coast of Southern California in June 1995, location unknown.
    US Navy photo
    Robert M. Cieri
    Sirius
    09520844
    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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 85k USS Essex (LHD 2) date and location unknown. Robert Hurst
    Essex 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
    Essex
    10080292
    69k HMAS Success (OR-304) in company with USS Essex (LHD-2) during Exercise TANDEM THRUST 2001.
    Royal Australian Navy photo.
    Yu Chu
    Essex
    10060244
    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
    Essex 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
    Essex
    100802106
    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
    Essex
    10080291
    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
    Essex 170k An unidentified LCAC entering the stern of USS Essex (LHD-2), 6 September 2006, location unknown. Robert Hurst
    Essex 97k USS Essex (LHD-2) departing Busan, Republic of Korea, following a port visit, 8 April 2007.
    U.S. Navy photo
    Robert Hurst
    Essex 222k USS Essex (LHD-2) off Sasebo, Japan, with a AV-8B Harrier II about to land.
    U.S. Navy photo
    Robert Hurst
    Essex
    10080290
    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
    Essex
    070615-N-4614W-035
    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
    Essex
    070615-N-4614W-042
    175k
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex
    100802100
    192k USS Essex (LHD-2) underway, date and location unknown. Nicholas Tiberio
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex
    090206-N-5253W-127
    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
    Essex
    090206-N-5253W-176
    415k
    Essex
    090421-N-0120A-206 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2009)
    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
    Essex
    090421-N-9950J-022 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2009)
    271k
    Essex
    090421-N-0120A-206 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 21, 2009)
    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
    Essex 1365k USS Essex (LHD-2) moored at Port Cairns, North Queensland, Australia, circa June/July 2009. Annette Rolston
    Essex
    100802105
    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
    Essex
    100208-N-9418A-098
    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
    Essex
    100208-N-9418A-501
    821k
    Essex
    100802103
    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
    Denver 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
    Denver
    10090991
    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
    Essex 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
    Alan Shepard 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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)
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Anchorage 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
    Essex 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
    Henry J Kaiser 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex
    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
    Essex
    180329-N-RP442-166 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 29, 2018)
    204k
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex 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
    Essex
    10080293
    202k USS Essex (LHD-2) underway in the harbor at San Diego, CA. the morning of 17 July 2020
    SanDiegolive.com
    Chin Yu Chu
    Essex
    10080294
    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
    Essex
    10080295
    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
    Essex
    10080296
    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
    Essex
    10080297
    210k Essex (LHD-2) departing San Diego, 2 December 2020.
    San Diego WebCam
    Chin Yu Chu
    Essex
    10080298
    216k
    Essex
    100802104
    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

    USS Essex (LHD-2) Memorabilia
    Essex

    Commissioning Program
    Contributed by Robert M. Cieri
    Essex

    Ships Characteristics - Litton
    Contributed by Robert M. Cieri
    Essex

    1992
    Welcome Aboard
    Contributed by Robert M. Cieri
    Essex

    1992
    Welcome Aboard
    Contributed by Robert M. Cieri
    Essex

    2014 Change of Command
    Contributed by Ron Reeves


    For more photos and information about USS Essex, see;
  • USS Essex (LHD-2) Command Operations Reports
  • USS Essex (LHD-2) Historical Chronology
  • USS Essex Association

  • Commanding Officers
    01CAPT. Berg, Ronald Vincent, USN17 October 1992 - 2 February 1994
    02CAPT. Cassidy, John Alexander, USN2 February 1994 - 20 October 1995
    03CAPT. Radich, Thomas Francis, USN (USNA 1971)20 October 1995 - 16 May 1997
    04CAPT. Winns, Anthony Lee, USN (USNA 1978) :RADM16 May 1997 - 19 November 1998
    05CAPT. Gilmore, Stephen Douglas, USN (USNA 1974)19 November 1998 - 17 May 2000
    06CAPT. Gilman, Robert John, USN (USNA 1977)17 May 2000 - 26 July 2000 (hull swap with LHA-3)
    07CAPT. Parker, Thomas Anthony, USN26 July 2000 - 18 October 2000
    08CAPT. Berg, Scott Alan18 October 2000 - 17 April 2002
    09CAPT. Evans, Ronald Richard17 April 2002 - 22 August 2003
    10CAPT. Van Tol, Jan Maarten22 August 2003 - 27 February 2005
    11CAPT. Keaney, Martin Joseph27 February 2005 - 1 August 2006
    12CAPT. Donegan, Brian Thomas, USN (USNA 1983)1 August 2006 - 4 February 2008
    13CAPT. Canady, Kerry Brent, USN (USNA 1984)4 February 2008 - 13 August 2009
    14CAPT. Hart, Troy Leslie13 August 2009 - 20 January 2011
    15CAPT. Fluker, David Paul, USN (USNA 1987)20 January 2011 - 23 April 2012 (hull swap with LHD-6)
    16CAPT. Litchfield, Charles Evan (Chuck), USN (USNA 1988)23 April 2012 - 18 June 2012 (relieved for cause)
    17CAPT. Harnden Jr., Jonathan Lance, USN (USNA 1986)18 June 2012 - 16 November 2012
    18CAPT. Jenkins, Joker Lee, USN (USNA 1989)16 November 2012 - 28 May 2014
    19CAPT. Mantz, Peter M., USN28 May 2014 - 28 May 2014
    20CAPT. Quin, Brian James, USN28 May 2014 - 2 June 2017
    21CAPT. Burns, Jason A., USN2 June 2017 - 6 July 2018
    22CAPT. Mutty, Brian Thomas, USN ;RADM6 July 2018 - 25 September 2019
    23CAPT. Kelley, Aaron Ray, USN (USNA 1996)25 September 2019 - 22 January 2021
    24CAPT. Fletcher, Kelly T., USN22 January 2021 - 9 May 2022
    25CAPT. Taylor, Aaron J., USN9 May 2022 - 10 August 2023
    26CAPT. Liebold, Wayne P., USN10 August 2023 -  
    Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves

    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log

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