120310-N-SO729-019 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 10, 2012) - Capt. David Fluker, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) answers questions for Japanese press during a media visit March 10. Essex, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)