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Caption:
At sea aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) Sep. 24, 2002 -- A U.S. Marine
AV-8B Harrier pilot assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary
Unit’s (MEU) Aviation Combat Element (ACE) performs his
pre-flight checks, as CH-46 “Sea Knights” circle above
Essex prior to launching from the ship’s flight deck. The
helicopters loaded with Marines were enroute to conduct a simulated
amphibious assault. Essex is underway, with the 31st Marine
Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participating in a Special Operations Capable
Exercise (SOCEX). SOCEX is designed to certify that Special
Operations Capable Teams, are capable of executing several diverse
missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, to
full-scale combat operation. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's
Mate Airman Bryan W. Taylor. (RELEASED)
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