By Lt. Chad A. Dulac, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1 Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group (BOXARG) and 13TH Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed San Diego for a scheduled seven-month deployment, Feb. 22.
"The Boxer ARG/13th MEU team are fully integrated, fully certified and ready to carry out the Navy's maritime strategy abroad," said Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1, Capt. Curtis J. Shaub. "We are looking forward to this deployment to demonstrate those capabilities, both operationally as well as in partnerships, with allied countries and other U.S. forces in the global theater."
BOXARG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45).
"Our Navy, Marine Corps team is deploying with a multi-mission capable force ready to perform and excel at any tasking required by our component fleet commanders," said Capt. Frank Michael, Boxer commanding officer.
BOXARG, with embarked 13th MEU, is deploying to the western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of operation with the ability to accomplish a variety of missions supporting the Navy's maritime strategy including combat missions, humanitarian assistance, counter piracy and promoting peace and stability in the region. The readiness group's forward presence is paramount to reassuring the United States' commitment to regional security and promoting global economic stability and local prosperity.
The more than 4,000 personnel include nearly 1,800 Sailors and 2,200 embarked Marines from 13th MEU. The 13th MEU is led by Col. David Coffman, U.S. Marine Corps. BOXARG/13th MEU can operate as a combined expeditionary strike group or deploy assets to provide support for multiple missions.
Other elements of the BOXARG include: Fleet Surgical Team 3; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Det. 5; Assault Craft Unit 1, Det. C; Assault Craft Unit 5, Det. C and Beach Master Unit 1, Det. E.
BOXARG helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's maritime strategy when forward deployed.
