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Friends and family arrive aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) via a landing craft, air cushion (LCAC), attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, Aug. 13, 2026. A Tiger Cruise allows friends and family of U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines to board a naval ship and experience daily life of a Sailor or Marine stationed aboard Essex. Essex is currently underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the region and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute our Navy's role across the full spectrum of military operations – from combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster response. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law, and other principles that underpin security for the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Samuel B. Park)