SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (April 14, 2009) Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked on the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), fly off to take part in exercise Balikatan 2009, an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise.It will take place in the Philippines April 16-30. During the exercise, Essex Sailors are scheduled to participate in four community relations projects. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Deatherage/Released)
