USS Essex Deployment and F-35B

09/17/2018

INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 2 2018) 

An F-35B Lightning II, attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a regularly scheduled deployment of Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). 

The Essex ARG and 13th MEU is the first U.S. Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations with the transformational warfighting capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II, making it a more lethal, flexible and persistent force, leading to a more stable region for our partner nations.

The slideshow highlights activities onboard the USS Essex during its deployment. 

INDIAN OCEAN

09.02.2018

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Chandler Harrell 

USS Essex-LHD 2