SOUTH CHINA SEA (Oct. 25, 2011) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Mark Anthony R. Padrigo, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), gives the signals as an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214 takes off from the flight deck. Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in an amphibious landing exercise with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Casey H. Kyhl)