151027-N-IC565-048 GULF OF OMAN (Oct. 27, 2015) Sailors construct an eye splice in double-braided line in the upper vehicle deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is the flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bradley J. Gee/Released)