Essex Departs for Annual Exercise 21G: "The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Sasebo, Japan, Nov. 1 for a scheduled deployment.
Essex's deployment comes at the end of a successful two-month ship's restricted availability (SRA) and will feature Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 21G, conducted annually with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Japanese navies.
'The crew and contractors did an outstanding job getting the ship ready to get back underway,' said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex's commanding officer. 'We're at peak readiness and are looking forward to another great opportunity to work with our Japanese counterparts and further enhance our ability to work together.'
For many Essex Sailors, the 21st annual exercise will serve as a first opportunity to participate in one of the longest-standing military traditions in the Pacific region.
'This will be the first ANNUALEX that I've had an opportunity to participate in,' said Capt. David Fluker, Essex's executive officer. 'I'm looking forward to working with the JMSDF. Their professionalism and tactical expertise is widely known and will certainly contribute to the realism and professionalism of the exercise.'
Before commencing ANNUALEX, Essex will conduct sea trials, where engineers will test the equipment that was overhauled and replaced during the SRA, including four revamped ship's service turbine engines, a new main condenser and a new digital shaft speed indicator."
