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250702-N-AV351-1203 From left to right, Capt. Henry Kim, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 5, Capt. Wayne Liebold, commanding officer of Essex, Capt. Russel Everitt, former executive officer of Essex, Cmdr. Jeffrey Parks, chaplain assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), salute the colors during the change of command ceremony on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), July 2, 2025. Essex is homeported in San Diego, conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish many key systems aboard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nettie Mae Manfull)