PACIFIC OCEAN (March 23, 2015) Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) conduct a simulated strait transit. Essex is underway participating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which is comprised of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) THREE and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Huey D. Younger Jr./Released)