Liberal Native Provides Tour Aboard USS Essex During Los Angeles Fleet Week

by Navy Office of Community Outreach

LOS ANGELES (May 30, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Luke Sumner, a native of Liberal, Kansas, provides a ship tour aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 30, 2022. Los Angeles Fleet Week is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wesley Richardson)