Posted: 03/01/2010
PHILIPPINE SEA (March, 23 2010) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Daniel Diem watches as amphibious assault vehicle from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) launches from the well deck of the forward-deployed assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The 31st MEU is embarked aboard Essex to participate in the ship's annual spring patrol in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Smith)