151110-N-MD297-028 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2015) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Chinedu Darlington salutes the pilots of an MH-60S Seahawk from the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 after takeoff from the flight 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 currently operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Huey D. Younger Jr./Released)