110412-N-5538K-492

110412-N-5538K-492 WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Japan (April 12, 2011) A landing craft utility approaches the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) to offload vehicles from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Essex is wrapping up a three-month patrol in the Western Pacific, which included participation in disaster relief operations in northeastern Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Casey H. Kyhl)