[2] Essex conducted a training program during the spring of 1993, and from 18 August until 23 November, was undergoing upgrades, during Post Shakedown Availability, in Long Beach harbor.

She then departed for her third Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf deployment on 21 June 1998 with the 15th MEU (SOC) and Amphibious Squadron Five.

Essex participated in Exercises Sea Soldier and Red Reef and Military SALT and Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations with the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.

[citation needed] While in her forward-deployed role, Essex has participated in various humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations, including East Timor in October and November 2003 and Foal Eagle in Korea in 2003.

[citation needed] During the 2008 Myanmar Cyclone Nargis crisis and the subsequent Operation Caring Response aid mission, Essex and her amphibious group (made up of Juneau, Harpers Ferry, and the destroyer USS Mustin) stood by off Burma from 13 May to 5 June, waiting for the Myanmar junta government to permit US aid to its citizens.

[5] From 21–23 October, the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the Philippines after the Super Typhoon Juan (international name Megi) caused extensive destruction to municipalities along the eastern coast of the Province of Isabela.

At the request for assistance from the Japanese government, the Navy directed Essex to be deployed off the northeastern coast of Honshu after the massive 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

[11] In November, a Petty Officer 1st Class was fatally injured aboard Essex during a weapons systems test while the ship was off the coast of Bali.

[13] While Essex was scheduled to depart for Cobra Gold 2012, an annual exercise with Thailand, her participation was canceled due to maintenance issues.

[14] It was announced in January 2012 that Essex would be returning to her former home port of San Diego, California, after 11 years of forward deployment in Japan.

[20][21] After two years of dry-dock and pier side maintenance, Essex executed an on-time underway to conduct sea trials in April 2014.

[24] In September 2018 the Essex ARG with the F-35B equipped Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) aboard deployed to the United States Central Command AO.

[27] On 27-30 May, Essex and USS Portland (LPD-27) were open to the public as a part of Los Angeles Fleet Week 2022, in San Pedro, California.