Labels: 31st MEU, CTF-76, LHD-2, photos, ships, US Navy, USMC, USS Essex
SEA OF JAPAN (Feb. 15, 2007) A Marine from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) practices fast roping aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez