SAN DIEGO -- Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrives pierside at Naval Base San Diego. Essex, a part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego, March 4, after a deployment to U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th in support of regional stability and a free and open Info-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Melvin Fatimehin)