Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group, 13th MEU Returning Home

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Boxer ARG/MEU left Southern California in January in support of global maritime security as the nation's force in readiness within the Pacific and Central Commands. During the deployment, the Boxer ARG/MEU spent three months conducting maritime security operations (MSO) with coalition partners to provide security in international waters.

The mission included counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean while assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. Sailors and Marines also supported community service projects during port visits.

ARG/MEUs provide a variety of expeditionary mission capabilities, including rapid, projected humanitarian assistance worldwide with the physical capacity to transport large amounts of medical and engineering supplies and equipment to most locations around the globe.

The Boxer ARG is comprised of the 13th MEU; Amphibious Squadron 5; USS Boxer (LHD 4); USS New Orleans (LPD 18)
USS Comstock (LSD 45); USS Lake Champlain (CG 57)
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 Detachment 3;
Naval Beach Group 1; Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 and ACU 1; Beach Master Unit 1; and Fleet Surgical Team 5.