U.S. Pacific Fleet PACIFIC OCEAN (April 6, 2011) The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) – Official prepares for a farewell formation steam with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Ship JS Hyuga (DDH 181). Essex, with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, has completed operations off the coast of Kesennuma in northeastern Japan, in support of Operation Tomodachi. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez)