POHANG, Republic of Korea (March 23, 2007) - A landing craft utility (LCU) prepares to depart the well deck of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) loaded with combat vehicles in support of Foal Eagle 2007. Foal Eagle is an annually scheduled exercise involving forces from the U.S. and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to improve combat readiness through interoperability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Chief Ty Swartz