English: At sea aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) Sep. 23, 2002 -- Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class John J. Jones monitors the AN/SPN-43 Precision Approach Radar from the helicopter direction center, during flight operations off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. The AN/SPN-43 is the Navy's marshalling air traffic control (ATC) radar system used on all aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships for vectoring aircraft into final approach. Essex is underway, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participating in a Special Operations Capable Exercise (SOCEX). SOCEX is designed to certify that Special Operations Capable Teams, are capable of executing several diverse missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, to full-scale combat operation. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Gary B. Granger. (RELEASED)