Keywords: US Navy 020916-N-0401E-006 31st MEU hits to the beach aboard an LCAC.jpg en At sea with USS Essex LHD 2 Sep 16 2002 -- A Landing Craft Air Cushioned LCAC from the Essex transports Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit MEU and their equipment to the beach for a simulated non-combatant evacuation operation NEO This semi-annual joint exercise between the two units blends the capabilities and techniques of the Navy/Marine Corps team into one cohesive force They focus on conducting amphibious operations in support of a spectrum of contingencies ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts to full-scale combat operations U S Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Wes Eplen RELEASED 2002-09-16 020916-N-0401E-006 Navy http //www navy mil/view_image asp id 2688 U S Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Wes Eplen PD-USGov-Military-Navy Aboard USS Essex LHD-2 Landing Craft Air Cushion Watercraft in motion |