The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) is partially obscured by a fog bank off the coast of Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco (Released)USS Boxer (LHD 4), in conjunction with the ships of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), participated in a two-day force protection exercise (FPE) at Naval Base San Diego Oct. 27-28.
The FPE is one of several qualifications BOXESG must complete to become certified for its upcoming deployment.
Conducted by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, the FPE brings ships of BOXESG together at one pier to simulate a foreign port visit. Each ship in BOXESG maintains a ship's self-defense force (SSDF) to augment its security force. The SSDF consists of volunteers from the ship's crew who receive training in anti-terrorism and force protection measures and act as the ship's ready defense team. Throughout the course of the exercise, personnel acting as intruders attempted to penetrate the strike group's defenses, testing the SSDF's readiness and ability to effectively defend the ships against attack.
"The FPE is a test of the ESG's ability to construct a force protection plan, execute it following programmed protection responses and effectively implement the appropriate levels of force protection conditions, from ...the lowest level of security, all the way to [the highest]," said Lt.j.g. Mike Rutland, Boxer's force protection officer.
"It is one of many requirements necessary to qualify the ESG for deployment, and it's one of the most important preparations we undertake as it tests our capability to stay safe in foreign territory."
According to Rutland, the FPE also provides an opportunity to test communication among the ships of BOXESG in an emergency situation.
"Anything can happen to Boxer or the other ships in the group," Rutland said. "If there's an attack on the USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Boxer should know about it not only for informational purposes but to let other watchstanders know to keep an eye out for potential threats or diversionary tactics. It allows us to keep not only ourselves safe but also our fellow strike group shipmates."
Throughout each day of the exercise, the BOXESG ships' intercom systems blared with reports of suspicious packages, potentially hostile small boats approaching the ESG's ships to conduct surveillance, and unauthorized people attempting to gain access to the ships with fake identification. Thanks to basic and advanced security reaction force training -- which includes anti-terrorism measures, vehicle and bag inspection training and weapons qualification -- members of Boxer's SSDF said they felt they were properly prepared to take on threats to their ship.
"We've had a lot of training, both through classes and SSDF-specific training, and I feel we're more than adequately prepared to protect our ship," said Aviation Mechanic 1st Class (AW) Dominick Jordan, a member of Boxer's SSDF.
During the exercise, the ships on the pier were receiving a large load of supplies which added difficulty to the FPE.
"The additional activity on the pier certainly makes it harder on the SSDF to discern threats, but it also adds a very real element to the exercise, in that this scenario is one they'll likely encounter in a real-world situation," Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Jorge Schulz said.
"With all of the distractions going on with resupplying the ships and maintenance, an intruder may try penetrating the ESG's defenses unnoticed. This allows our Sailors to acclimate themselves to the busy environment of a real port and effectually makes them a more prepared security force."
BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall to prepare for its upcoming deployment.
BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5 and 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.
The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.