The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) leaves port for Sasebo to be relieved by the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). The Essex amphibious ready group is preparing to participate in Balikatan 2012, an annual bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability between the U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Crosby)