SOUTH CHINA SEA (Mar. 02, 2010) - The fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199), center, transfers fuel to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), left, and the transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) during underway replenishment. Essex and Denver are part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and are conducting spring patrol to the Western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino)