SAN DIEGO (Feb. 25, 2021) Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with Vice Adm. Scott Conn, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and Rear Adm. Tim Weber, Commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific, during a visit to the mphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) to observe COVID-19 vaccinations. Essex held a voluntary mass vaccination event as the Navy continues distribution of the vaccine in accordance with the Department of Defense's prioritized schema to protect the health and readiness of service members. (U.S. Navy photo by Regena Kowitz)