Keywords: US Navy 040909-N-8801B-001 The amphibious assault ships USS Essex (LHD 2), foreground, and USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) sail side-by-side in the Arabian Gulf during cross deck maneuvers.jpg en Arabian Gulf Sept 9 2004 The amphibious assault ships USS Essex LHD 2 foreground and USS Belleau Wood LHA 3 sail side-by-side in the Arabian Gulf during cross deck maneuvers Cross decking is used to share supplies personnel and equipment without having to pull into a port This is the first time in history Essex and Belleau Wood have traded supplies in this manner Essex is currently deployed in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom OIF U S Navy photo by Photographer s Mate Airman Travis M Burns RELEASED 2004-09-09 040909-N-8801B-001 Navy http //www navy mil/view_image asp id 17632 U S Navy photo by Photographer s Mate Airman Travis M Burns PD-USGov-Military-Navy General views of USS Belleau Wood LHA-3 |