PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 7, 2010) Aviation boatswain's mates run from a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60K Sea Hawk helicopter after chaining it to the flight deck aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in exercise Keen Sword, a joint bilateral exercise designed to strengthen Japan and U.S. military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)
