US BQM-74 test drones launch. One of five BQM-74 test drones being launched from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a missile firing exercise. These test drones are remote controlled GPS-guided missiles. The USS Essex and the guided missile cruiser USS John McCain participated in the missile firing exercise to test the ship's defensive capability. During the exercise, Essex fired three NATO Sea Sparrow anti-air missiles to intercept the drones. Photographed on 6th February 2004.