081002-N-5215E-145

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 2, 2008) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) direct CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters onto the flight deck during a reconnaissance exercise. The exercise included a total of 16 helicopters, including seven Sea Knight helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265). Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed expeditionary strike group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Ebarb/Released)