SAN DIEGO (Feb. 3, 2015) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Nicholas Rhodes, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), signals to the side port crane operator while lowering a dummy load onto Landing Craft Unit (LCU) 1627, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1. Essex is testing equipment in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason M. Graham/Released)