SAN DIEGO (April 17, 2024) Lt. j.g. Joseph Gallardo, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), uses binoculars during a landing craft air cushion recovery simulation at the Navigation, Seamanship, and Ship Handling Trainers at Mariner Skills Training Center, Pacific, in San Diego, April 17, 2024. Essex is homeported at Naval Base San Diego, conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish key onboard systems. (U.S. Navy photo)