EAST CHINA SEA (Dec. 5, 2010) â AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in exercise Keen Sword, a joint, bilateral exercise designed to strengthen Japan-U.S. military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith/Released)
