180605-N-AT135-008 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 5, 2018) Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Malik Alexander prepares to paint the quarterdeck podium aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during 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 Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Freeman/Released)