March 20, 1989: General Alfred M Gray Jr. USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps signs the authentication
plaque at the keel laying ceremony for the Essex LHD-2 at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi.

March 20, 1989: Keel laying ceremony for the Essex LHD-2.

March 16, 1991: Christening ceremony for the Essex LHD-2 at Litton-Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi.

March 16, 1991: From left to right; Secretary of Defense Richard B. Cheney, Mary Cheney, Elizabeth Cheney and
ship's sponsor Mrs. Lynne Cheney at the christening ceremony for the Essex LHD-2.

March 16, 1992: Mrs. Lynne Cheney, ship's sponsor, christens the Essex LHD-2.