PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 20, 2022) An AV-8B Harrier, assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), launches from the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), Jan. 20, 2022. Operating as part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG) is conducting training to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Richardson)