The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) is moored with the assigned messing and berthing barge at Naval Base San Diego. Essex is at the beginning of an 18-month planned maintenance period. The U.S. Navy is reliable, flexible, and ready to respond worldwide on, above, and below the sea. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane/Released)