The Essex has been one of the Pacific Fleet's most reliable amphibious warships since her commissioning in 1992. A Wasp-class LHD, she carries both Marine aviation and ground forces—her flight deck supporting Harriers and helicopters while her well deck launches the landing craft that put boots on the beach. She has deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean repeatedly, supporting operations from Japan to the Persian Gulf. Essex is a name that means business.