EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 31, 2009) - A Sailor assigned to the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) focuses his attention on a fire casualty while listening to Senior Chief Damage Controlman Michael Kaszubowski of Chicago, Ill. and assigned to Afloat Training Group Western Pacific as he gives advice on firefighting techniques during a mock Class A fire drill in the bake shop. Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio/Release)

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EAST CHINA SEA (Jan. 31, 2009) - The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) sails in route to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold 09 (CG 09). CG 09 is an annual Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored joint coalition military exercise designed to train Thai, U.S. and Singaporean Coalition Task Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino/Released)

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BALI, Indonesia (Jan. 31, 2009) – Cmdr. Anthony Simmons, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) greets U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R. Hume following Lassen’s arrival in Bali. Lassen arrived in Bali Jan. 31 for a scheduled port visit. Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki

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BALI, Indonesia (Jan. 31, 2009) – Ensign Douglas Gates from Austin, Texas, assigned to the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) gives Balinese media a ship tour following Lassen’s arrival to Bali. Lassen arrived in Bali Jan. 31 for a scheduled port visit. Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki

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BALI, Indonesia (Jan. 31, 2009) - Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) render sideboy honors as Vice Adm. John M. Bird, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet arrives on board. Lassen is visiting Bali for a scheduled port visit. Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 31, 2009) - CH-46E Crew Chief Pfc. Rolf Zelonis, from Vallejo, Ca., keeps an eye on the flight deck of the landing dock ship USS Harpers Ferry during the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU Air Combat Element's (ACE) Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQ). Zelonis acts as the pilots eyes during deck landings and ensures the safety of those aboard the helicopter. Harpers Ferry is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan and operates as part of the only U.S. forward-deployed expeditionary strike group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. White/Released)

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USS ESSEX, At Sea (January 31, 2009) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Patrick Neimeyer, right, from Alexandria, Va., talks to Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class (AW/SW) Kaylyn Henderson from Newkirk, Okla. during a break in the action on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)

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USS ESSEX, Philippine Sea (January 31, 2009) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class (AW/SW) Kaylyn Henderson, a native of Newkirk, Okla. assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), directs an AH-1W "Cobra" helicopter, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 262, prepares to land on the ship's flight deck. Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)

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USS ESSEX, Philippine Sea (January 31, 2009) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman (AW) Emerald Walton, from Salem, Ohio, directs an MH-60S "Seahawk" helicopter, assigned to Sea Combat Helicopter Squadron (HSC) 25, as it prepares to land aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 30, 2009) - Aviation Ordinanceman 3rd Class Angelina Simowitz of Billings, Mont., assigned to the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and LCpl Kyle MacDougall of Fredericksburg, VA., assigned to Marine Air Logistics Squadron 16 at Miramar, Calif. and deployed with the Essex performs upkeep maintenance on skid brakes on the MHU-191 Munition in the ordinance shop. Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio/Release)

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