The USS Essex is a name used by several ships in the United States Navy, primarily associated with amphibious assault and aircraft carrier roles. The most notable was the USS Essex (LHD-2), an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1992. It is designed to support Marine Corps operations and can carry helicopters, landing craft, and troops. The original USS Essex was a World War II aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1942 and known for its significant role in the Pacific Theater. It was named after Essex County, Massachusetts and was part of the Essex-class carriers, which were crucial in naval aviation history.