USS Essex conducts flight ops in Pacific Ocean

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Gabriel Caicedo, left center, assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), and Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Santiago Utrillavalverde, center, assigned to America-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), crouch down with chocks and chains as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Hercules Soder directs an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, assigned to Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (VMM) 165, to land on the flight deck during flight operations, Feb. 3, 2026. Essex is currently underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian P. Caracci)