PACIFIC OCEAN (March 20, 2021) An AH-1Z Viper helicopter attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), takes off from the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is conducting routine operations underway in the eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brett McMinoway)