PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 4, 2020) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits the Pacific Ocean during a simulated strait transit with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27). Essex is participating in Exercise Dawn Blitz, a scenario-based exercise designed to build interoperability between the Navy and Marine Corps team. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wesley Richardson)