OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 30, 2008) A U.S. Navy landing craft air cushion (LCAC) enters the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while participating with combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) for Amphibious Warfare Certification (AMW). Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R.