Keywords: US Navy 100920-N-2218S-012 Chief Boatswain's Mate Michael Thurston backs a landing craft utility out of the well deck of the amphibious assault shi.jpg en PHILIPPINE SEA Sept 20 2010 Chief Boatswain's Mate Michael Thurston backs a landing craft utility out of the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex LHD 2 Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010 a joint service exercise designed to enhance interoperability between U S forces U S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith/Released 2010-09-20 100920-N-2218S-012 Navy http //www navy mil/view_image asp id 91961 U S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Ryan Smith PD-USGov-Military-Navy Aboard USS Essex LHD-2 Valiant Shield 2010 Well decks LCU 1631 ship 1968 Landing craft utility |