180604-M-PK127-0001 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 4, 2018) The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) is underway behind the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a strait transit in the Pacific Ocean. The Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 13th MEU are conducting a composite training unit exercise, which is the final exercise before the unit's upcoming deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Francisco J. Diaz Jr./Released)