WEAPONS CHECK U.S. Marines check their weapons during a drill in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex in the South China Sea, Feb. 2, 2011. The Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group on patrol in the western Pacific Ocean. The Marines are assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Maritime Raid Force. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.07 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 444807-J-YQR26-972.jpg Photo Gallery