Keywords: US Navy 020921-N-5972C-003 Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Donny Swanson gives a thumbs up signal to indicate a green deck for the launch of an AV-8 Harrier.jpg en At sea aboard USS Essex LHD 2 Sep 9 2002 -- Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Donny Swanson gives a thumbs up signal to indicate a green deck for the launch of an AV-8 Harrier a high performance single-engine single-seat Vertical/Short Take-off and Landing V/STOL attack aircraft The Harrier is attached to the Air Combat Element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit MEU embarked aboard USS Essex The Essex and the 13th MEU are participating in a semi-annual Amphibious Ready Group ARG exercise in the vicinity of Okinawa Japan The exercise is designed to blend the operational capabilities and techniques of the Navy/Marine Corps team into one cohesive force capable of conducting amphibious operations in support of contingencies ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts to full-scale combat operations The Harrier was first introduced to the Fleet Marine Forces FMF after a successful prototype demonstration and full-scale development program in January of 1985 U S Navy photo by Photographer s Mate 3rd Class Clover B Christensen RELEASED 2002-09-09 020921-N-5972C-003 Navy http //www navy mil/view_image asp id 2775 U S Navy photo by Photographer s Mate 3rd Class Clover B Christensen PD-USGov-Military-Navy Aboard USS Essex LHD-2 Military people with thumbs up Aviation Boatswain's Mates Handlers AV-8B Harrier II US Marine Corps |