Aboard LHD 2 - S. Korea, US Military Exercise

POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 23, 2007) - Boatswain's mates prepare to launch Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1631 from the well deck aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) during Foal Eagle 2007. Foal Eagle is an annually scheduled exercise involving forces from the U.S. and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to improve combat readiness through interoperability. Essex is the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jhoan Montolio