The USS Essex LHD-2 is a Wasp-class Landing Helicopter Dock in service with the United States Navy The amphibious assault ship was built at what is now Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi She was launched 23 February 1991 and commissioned on 17 October 1992 while moored at North Island NAS She is the fifth ship named for Essex County, Massachusetts Essex served as the command ship for Expeditionary Strike Group Seven until replaced by USS Bonhomme Richard on 23 April 2012The Essex is still in service to this day