PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 8, 2010) An AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft assigned to the Tigers of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 prepare to land aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is participating in exercise Keen Sword 2011 with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey H. Kyhl/Released)
