120124-N-BJ752-021 SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 24, 2012) - Aviation Boatswain's Mates (fuel) check float coats in flight deck triage onboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) in preparation for the spring patrol. Essex, commanded by Capt. David Fluker, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group in the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Linda S. Swearingen)