USS Essex (LHD-2) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy. Named after the Revolutionary War's Battle of Essex, it was commissioned in 1992. The ship is capable of carrying helicopters, AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, and other amphibious assault vehicles. USS Essex has been involved in various operations, including supporting peacekeeping efforts in East Timor, providing humanitarian aid after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and participating in military exercises with allied nations. The ship has also been deployed to the Persian Gulf during the Iraq War. It underwent upgrades and modernization in the early 2000s to enhance its capabilities. USS Essex continues to serve as a crucial asset for the U.S. Navy, showcasing its versatility and adaptability in various missions around the world.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.