USS Essex (LHD-2)

USS Essex (LHD-2) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on October 17, 1992. Throughout its service, the Essex has played a key role in numerous military operations, including supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 by deploying Marines and equipment to the Persian Gulf. The ship has also participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex continues to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious readiness and rapid response capabilities in the Pacific and beyond.