Posted: 11/01/2010
SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 20, 2010) An AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 prepares to land aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is underway in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey H. Kyhl)