PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 14, 2010) – Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit fire 9-mm handguns on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is on patrol in the Western Pacific region in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)