SUBIC BAY, Philippines (Oct. 28, 2008) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class David Clora, from Chicago, Ill., assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), plays with students of the New Cabalan Elementary School during a community relations project. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)