180604-N-GR847-0215 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 4, 2018) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), left, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) participate in a force protection exercise in support of a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is the final pre-deployment exercise that certifies the combined Essex Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit's (13th MEU) abilities to conduct military operations at sea and project power ashore during their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 3rd Class Reymundo A. Villegas III/Released)