SOUTH CHINA SEA (Feb. 4, 2011) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Eric C. Haymes, assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), fast ropes onto the port aircraft elevator of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group on patrol in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Casey H. Kyhl/Released)
