Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare for a simulated air raid aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex. Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010, a joint-service exercise designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. forces.



Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a map study aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex before a raid exercise. Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010, a joint-service exercise designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. forces.



Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit board a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex before a simulated air raid. Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010, a joint-service exercise designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. forces



 Airman Bernard Ugalde, aviation boatswain's mate (handling), directs the lift off of a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex during a simulated air raid. Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010, a joint-service exercise designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. forces.



Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare for a simulated air raid aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex. Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in Valiant Shield 2010, a joint-service exercise designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. forces.