1001232218S-019 OKINAWA, Japan (Jan. 23, 2010) The forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) is pier side at White Beach Naval Facility after embarking Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU). Essex embarked the 31st MEU in preparation for the ship's spring patrol. Essex is the lead ship for the only forward deployed Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for Combined Task Force 76. ( Navy

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Keywords: -deployed, 31st, 76, amphibious, assault, ctf, essex, expeditionary, japan, lhd2, marine, navy, sasebo, unit