150304-N-FB203-688 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 4, 2015) Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Jason Placide and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Timothy Sicignano oversee the firing of a 25 mm Mk 38 Mod 2 machine gun system during a live-fire exercise aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting an amphibious squadron and Marine expeditionary unit training exercise with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU) in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean P. Gallagher/Released)