AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS A U.S. Navy AV-8B Harrier aircraft receives fuel during night operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex to prepare for the Balikatan exercise in the South China Sea, April 11, 2009. The Republic of the Philippines has invited Essex to participate in the exercise, an annual event that involves U.S. military and Armed Forces of the Philippines. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.06 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 175763-F-IEK04-003.jpg Photo Gallery