U.S. Marines launch a combat rubber raiding craft. U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit launch a combat rubber raiding craft from the stern gate of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a training mission in the South China Sea on March 3, 2010. The Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting spring patrol throughout the Western Pacific region. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.07 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 964846-P-KSN85-539.jpg Photo Gallery