GOING FOR COBRA GOLD The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex and amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga steam alongside the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock, with the USS Stethem close behind, during a refueling-at-sea in the Gulf of Thailand, Feb. 6, 2009. The ships are preparing for Cobra Gold, an annual Kingdom of Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored military exercise to train U.S. and partner Asian-pacific forces. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.05 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 999948-O-GMN94-975.jpg Photo Gallery