USS Essex conducts flight ops in Pacific Ocean

Aviation Boatswain’s mate (Handling) 3rd Class Maritza Valdez, left, and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Hercules Soder, both assigned to Wasp-class Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), direct an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 164, to land on the flight deck during flight operations April 14, 2026. Essex is currently underway conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron J. Rolle)