150323-N-MD297-190 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 23, 2015) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), front, the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) conduct a simulated strait transit. Essex is underway participating in a composite training unit exercise with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Huey D. Younger Jr./Released)