SUBIC BAY, Republic of the Philippines (Feb. 20, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrives in Subic Bay for Balikatan (BK 08), the annual Republic of the Philippines and the United States bilateral exercise. During BK-08, the Essex Expeditionary Strike group will conduct humanitarian assistance and training activities with service members from the Republic of the Philippines to improve maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez