170816-N-JN784-057 CORAL SEA (Aug. 16, 2017) Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1651 departs the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) to transfer personnel to shore during a certification exercise (CERTEX). Ashland is part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHR ESG), which participating in a CERTEX to increase joint capability to respond to a number of potential contingencies. CERTEX is conducted to evaluate the integration of all elements of the BHR ESG by testing their combined ability to plan and execute mission essential tasks. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Alexandra Seeley/Released)