'MARRIAGE' IN THAILAND The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex performs a stern-gate marriage with Landing Craft Utility 1631, while back-loading elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, June 9, 2008. The USS Essex is off the coast of Sattahip, Thailand after completing Cobra Gold 2008, a Thai and U.S.-sponsored military exercise designed to enhance interoperability between joint U.S. forces and the combined forces of the United States, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Indonesia. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.06 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 339428-I-IVM88-255.jpg Photo Gallery