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Caption:
SASEBO, Japan (Aug. 18, 2009) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Essex
(LHD 2) returns to Fleet Activities Sasebo after completing a summer
patrol. During the two-month deployment, Essex Sailors and Marines
conducted Talisman Saber 2009, a biennial exercise between U.S. and
Australian forces designed to enhance interoperability and prepare both
nations in crisis action planning and the execution of contingency
operations. Essex is the lead ship of the Essex Expeditionary Strike
Group and serves as the flagship for Combined Task Force 76, the Navy's
only permanently forward-deployed amphibious force commander. U.S.
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl
(Released)
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