SAN DIEGO (March 4, 2022) Information Systems Technician 1st Class Chirstian Vega, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), greets his family following the ship's return. 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 Fleet areas of operation in support of regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hector Carrera)