180428-M-HH269-0027 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 28, 2018) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD2) is observed from the back of an MV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (Reinforced), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) as it prepares to land during Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), MEU Excercise (ARGMEUEX), April 28, 2018 off the coast of California. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th MEU integrated to conduct the second major exercise of their pre-deployment training. ARGMEUEX provides essential and realistic ship-to-shore training, designed to enhance the integration of the Navy-Marine Corps team. ARGMEUEX provides an opportunity to integrate unique individual and unit skills and develop the Essex ARG and 13th MEU’s collective proficiency in challenging and unfamiliar environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Jackson/Released)