180430-N-UA103-0281 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 30, 2018) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 21) participate in a force protection exercise during Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) exercise (ARGMEUEX). ARGMEUEX enhances joint integration, lethality and collective capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps team through joint planning and execution of challenging and realistic training scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Julian Davis/Released)