Aviation boatswain's mates move away from a Japan Maritime Defense Force SH-60K Sea Hawk helicopter after removing chocks and chains on the flight deck of the forward-deployed 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 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)
