Aboard the USS Essex: A Special Visit After Cisco Live San Diego
Last week, after an energizing day at Cisco Live 2025 in sunny San Diego—packed with innovation, customer meetings with U.S. Navy Commands, and thought-provoking sessions on AI, networking, and security—I had the incredible opportunity to tour the USS Essex (LHD 2), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.
This special tour took place on June 11, 2025, and was arranged exclusively for members of the Cisco Navy Account team and Cisco Leadership. Walking the decks of an operational Navy warship gave us a deeper appreciation for the scale, complexity, and dedication behind U.S. Navy missions.
We’re incredibly grateful to:
- Ben Meyers for organizing and coordinating this unforgettable experience.
- Lieutenant Matthew Coffin, Public Affairs Officer, who led the tour with professionalism, insight, and patience as we peppered him with questions.
- Captain Wayne Liebold, Commanding Officer of the Essex, who graciously welcomed us aboard. Captain Liebold is also a former shipmate of Ben Meyers from their time serving together on USS Gary (FFG-51)—a full-circle moment for both.
From Mess Deck to Mission Deck: Touring the Essex
We began with a walk through the mess deck and chiefs’ mess, where camaraderie is built over meals. These spaces stood out with their iconic blue seating proudly displaying the ship’s crest—a subtle reminder of pride and unity among the crew. The spaces were clean, bright, and clearly well cared for, reflecting a deep respect for tradition and discipline.
We then made our way through narrow passageways and ladderwells, gaining firsthand insight into the tight, vertical nature of life aboard ship. The bridge—dense with gauges, controls, and Sailors focused on navigation and operational awareness—offered a commanding view and emphasized the precision involved in managing a 40,000-ton warship.
Inside the Belly of the Ship: The Well Deck and Vehicle Bay
One of the most memorable stops was deep within the ship, in the well deck—a cavernous, mission-critical space that showcases the Essex’s amphibious assault capabilities. Designed to launch and recover Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCACs) and other amphibious vehicles, this space becomes a flooded launch bay during operations. Standing on the elevated catwalk, our group looked down into the space while Chief Garrison explained how the ship transforms into a seaborne bridge between sea and shore.
Equally impressive was the vehicle bay, filled with yellow forklifts, support gear, and heavy machinery. These tools enable the seamless movement of Humvees, equipment, and other mission assets in preparation for embarkation. The operational logistics on display—alongside the sheer scale of the space—were a strong testament to the readiness and versatility of the Essex.
A Final Note of Thanks
From the topside views of Naval Base San Diego to the below-deck mechanical heart of the ship, every part of the tour deepened our appreciation for the service and professionalism of those aboard. This wasn’t just a tour—it was a reminder of the mission we support, the complexity of maritime operations, and the trust the Navy places in its partners.
Big thanks again to Ben Meyers, LT Matthew Coffin, and Captain Wayne Liebold for making this experience possible. We’re proud to support the Navy, and proud to be part of the Cisco team working alongside them.
Great pictures! Go Navy!