Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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OADivision AG3 MBANG AG3 MIDDLETON AGAA GONZALES TOP: The weather- guessers strike a pose. LEFT: AG3 Littleton takes a temperature reading in tine Gulf. Hey, we already know it ' s hot..

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OADivision A Division Aerographers provide fuU- spec-trum operational and tactical meteorologi-cal oceanographic (METOC) support to ESSEX Amphibious Ready Group staffs and ships in company. ESSEX METOC support is provided 24- hours a day consisting primarily of hourly sur- face weather observations and upper air sur- veillance using weather observers, shipboard automated sensors, and radiosonde balloon launches. Local weather briefs are provided for Navigation briefings, LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) operations, and numerous other Navy Marine Corps operations. Capable, timely, and precise, OA Divi- sion provides the best weather forecasting to mission planners and operational commanders anywhere. „„.««« AG1 BRIGGS AG1 FISHBAUGH LCDR COLUCCI AGC GEORGE AG1 WATSON AGS ENNIS RIGHT: Weather balloon launches give ESSEX up- to-the-minute weather information.

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9V oc sion le Helicopter Direction Center is responsible for making the - real-time decisions necessary for safely and efficiently sequencing and separating air traffic. By follow- ing the guidelines set forth in the LHD NATOPS, coupled with the strong abilities of our TEAM ESSEX controllers, the ship ' s mission is per- formed smoothly and with unparal- leled excellence. Working closely with the Air Operations Officer, crucial coordination and decisions are made to make USS ESSEX the safest air traffic control center in the U.S. Navy. AC1 KERBY AC1 LILL AC1 THOMPSON AC2 BATES AC2 MILLARD AC3 CISNEROS MAJ TILLMAN LTALLVORD ACC PALMER S?K kY-3 RIGHT: TheHDC gang finally gets some sunlight