171024-N-XN518-233 PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 24, 2017) The Wasp class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) simulates a strait transit as part of Dawn Blitz 2017. The scenario-driven exercise is designed to train and integrate Navy and Marine Corps units by providing a robust training environment where forces plan and execute an amphibious assault, engage in live-fire events, and establish expeditionary advanced bases in a land and maritime threat environment to improve naval amphibious core competencies. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Irwin Sampaga/Released)