Boxer ARG, 13th MEU Join ROK Forces in Ssang Yong 2016

U.S. ships from the Boxer and Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Groups are underway with the Dokdo Amphibious Ready Group from the Republic of Korea during Ssang Yong 2016. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team are committed to the ROK-U.S. Alliance and conduct exercises regularly to ensure interoperability and maintain strong working relationships to support the sovereignty of the Republic of Korea.  Ssang Yong familiarizes American armed forces with the Korean peninsula and builds upon the strong preexisting relationship between the two militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal/ Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Jackson, USS Boxer (LHD 4) Public Affairs

EAST SEA (NNS) -- Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are participating in exercise Ssang Yong 16 (SY16), March 8-18, in and around Pohang, Republic of Korea (ROK).

 Ssang Yong, which means "twin dragons," is a biennial exercise hosted by the ROK to strengthen interoperability and working relationships with partner nations.

 This year's exercise will include Navy and Marine Corps participants from the ROK, the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.

 "Boxer is one of the main batteries for this exercise," said Capt. Keith Moore, commander of Amphibious Squadron 1. "It will provide the full capacity of our Air Combat Element, our battalion landing team, and the logistics element. The ships will provide landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles to hit the beach and execute the missions we've trained for during work-ups."

 SY16 will focus on the aggregation of forces for an exercise of Marine Expeditionary Brigade level forcible entry operations. Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 and the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3D MEB) will aggregate elements of the Boxer ARG, Bonhomme Richard ARG, 13th MEU, 31st MEU and the Maritime Prepositioning Forces (MPF) with ROK Navy and ROK Marine Corps Marine Task Force to practice full-spectrum amphibious operations.

 "Those forces will go ashore in the Republic of Korea and train across all the various areas we've been training [to] in conjunction with the ROK Marines and Navy," said Moore. "It's really going to be a tremendous opportunity for us to flex the full capabilities of the ARG/MEU teams."

 Together, 3D MEB, ESG 7, ROK Marines and ROK Navy will conduct a simulated amphibious assault along beaches in the vicinity of Pohang. They will penetrate notional enemy beach defenses, establish a beach head, and rapidly transition forces and sustainment ashore. This will be a simulated, full-spectrum, combined arms forcible entry operation. SY16 will showcase the capabilities, effectiveness, speed, and flexibility of expeditionary amphibious operations and the U.S. and ROK partnership.

 "The role of the 13th MEU [during SY16] is to conduct amphibious operations that help build a greater partnership with other naval forces in the Korean theatre of operations," said Marine Col. Anthony Henderson, commanding officer, 13th MEU.

"There will be other navies participating as well, and it gives us an opportunity to demonstrate how we conduct full spectrum operations."

 Ultimately, the relationships forged and sustained at exercises such as Ssang Yong contribute to the security and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the entire Asia-Pacific region.

 "Being able to use seas to maneuver, being able to provide presence, being able to ensure some form of stability through our operations is what we train to do and what we're prepared to do and demonstrate in Ssang Yong 2016," said Henderson.

 This exercise proves the Navy and Marine Corps' ability to conduct amphibious landing operations in cooperation with our international partners. SY16 will enhance the interoperability and combined capability of ROK and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces.

 "I have absolute confidence," said Moore. "I know that we are ready. We have executed all of the missions that are going to be put against us. We've executed them with precision, skill, gusto and with a warfighting fervor that I know we will take forward when we get tasked."

 Approximately 9,200 Marines, 3,100 U.S. Navy Sailors, 4,500 Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), and 3,000 Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) members will participate in SY16. Approximately 100 Australian Army soldiers and 60 Royal New Zealand Army members will also participate.

Boxer ARG, 13th MEU Arrive in 7th Fleet Area of Operations

Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits the Pacific Ocean. More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines from Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) are transiting the Pacific Ocean to the 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Craig Z. Rodarte/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Craig Z. Rodarte, USS Boxer (LHD 4) Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) team began operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 27.

 "The Boxer ARG, 13th MEU team has trained hard and is ready to enter the complex 7th Fleet operating area," said Capt. Keith Moore, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 1. "This is a vibrant, diverse and vital region of the world with immense importance to global security. I am looking forward to making new friends as we work with our regional partners to improve cooperation and readiness."

 While forward deployed to 7th Fleet, the ARG-MEU team will participate in exercise Ssang Yong 2016, work to strengthen ties with allies, deter conflict, and conduct operations in support of the Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy.

 "Few regions in the world are as important to America's interest as the Pacific and 7th Fleet's area of responsibility," said Col. Anthony Henderson, commanding officer of the 13th MEU. "The Boxer ARG, 13th MEU team contributes to the security and stability of our partners and allies throughout the region by engagement and cooperation. Yes we are trained and ready across the spectrum of contingencies and potential crisis, but just as important our presence shows our commitment."

 The 7th Fleet AOR spans more than 124 million square kilometers stretching from the international date line to the India-Pakistan border, and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South encompassing 36 maritime countries and half of the world's population.

 Boxer ARG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 1, amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

 The 13th MEU is comprised of a ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; an aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (Reinforced); a logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 13; and a command element.

 While deployed, the ARG/MEU team serves as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious missions across the full range of military operations.

 The mission of the Boxer ARG is to help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and provide humanitarian assistance/disaster response as well as support the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

 The mission of the 13th MEU is to provide a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations, including enabling the introduction of follow on forces and designated special operations in order to support the theater requirements of geographic combatant commanders.

Boxer ARG Operating in Pacific and Central Command AORs

U.S. Navy Sailors with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group prepare MV-22B Ospreys with Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 166 Reinforced to take off from the USS New Orleans. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit will be operating in the Pacific and central Commands area of responsibilities during their western pacific deployment 16-1. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tyler C. Gregory/released)

USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Deploy

Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) and Ticonderoga-class Cruiser USS Port Royale (CG 73) steam alongside each other during a replenishment at sea. Boxer is currently underway conducting routine training exercises and maintenance in preparation for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Craig Z. Rodarte/Released)

From Amphibious Squadron 1 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed San Diego for a deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AOO), Feb. 12.

"The Boxer ARG, 13th MEU team has truly excelled in their preparation for deployment," said Capt. Keith Moore, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1. "The Sailors and Marines of the ARG/MEU team are well trained and ready to deploy in support of all missions."

Before being certified to deploy, the individual ships and units of the ARG/MEU team were required to complete and pass four integrated and advanced training exercises that were designed to test and evaluate their capabilities during battle-force scenarios and real-world situations they may face while deployed.

"I echo the commodore's statements," stated Marine Col. Anthony Henderson, commanding officer, 13th MEU. "Whether a humanitarian assistance mission or combat operations, we are ready. An equally critical contribution to our nation's security is the presence and interaction of America's sons and daughters of this Navy-Marine Corps team around the world as representatives of freedom, liberty, and hope."

U.S. 3rd Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) certified Boxer ARG and the 13th MEU to deploy after the ships and units successfully completed PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT), Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Certification Exercise (CERTEX), and Sustainment Exercise (SUSTEX).

The mission of the Boxer ARG is to help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and provide humanitarian assistance/disaster response as well as support the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

The mission of the 13th MEU is to provide a forward deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations, including enabling the introduction of follow on forces and designated special operations in order to support the theater requirements of Geographic Combatant Commanders.

While deployed, the ARG/MEU team serves as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious missions across the full range of military operations.

Also during deployment Boxer ARG and 13th MEU will participate in the Great Green Fleet, a yearlong initiative highlighting the Navy's efforts to transform its energy use to increase operational capability. Sailors and Marines will use energy efficiency measures, to include technologies and operational procedures, and alternative fuel in the course of its normal operations.

Boxer ARG comprises Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 1 and the 13th MEU. COMPHIBRON 1 is composed of its command ship, amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

The 13th MEU comprises a ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; an aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (Reinforced); a logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 13; and a command element.

The "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Detachment 1, homeported at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, will conduct flight operations with three MH-60S Knighthawks throughout the deployment. This armed helicopter detachment provides the following missions to the ARG/MEU: day and night defense of the amphibious task force, search and rescue (SAR), Helicopter Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (HVBSS), Special Operations Forces (SOF) support, personnel recovery (PR) missions, and logistics support.

Other elements of the BOXARG include: Fleet Surgical Team 3; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Assault Craft Unit 1; Assault Craft Unit 5, and Beachmaster Unit 1.

For more information on Boxer ARG visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cpr-1/
http://www.facebook.com/amphibioussquadronone/

For more information on the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, visit:
http://www.13thmeu.marines.milhttp://www.facebook.com/13thMEUView/

For more information on USS Boxer (LHD 4) visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lhd4/
https://www.facebook.com/USSBOXER
Ship photo: http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=203080
Navy fact file: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=400&ct=4

For USS New Orleans (LPD 18) visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lpd18/
https://www.facebook.com/bigeasy18/
Ship photo: http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=204902
Navy fact file: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4

For USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lsd49/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/USS.HARPERS.FERRY/
Ship photo: http://www.navy.mil/view_image.asp?id=207258
Navy fact file: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1000&ct=4

Boxer ARG Enters 7th Fleet AOR

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 4, 2013) An AV-8B Harrier II prepares to land on the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is underway for a deployment as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Boxer, the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joe Bishop/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Brian Biller, Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

USS Boxer (LHD 4), At Sea (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Sept. 5.

BOXARG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to strengthen relationships with our allies and partners in this dynamic region," said Capt. Malcolm Potts, commodore of Amphibious Squadron One (PHIBRON 1). "We share interests and values with many throughout the vast areas of the Pacific, and we look to build upon our relationships and common understanding of each other's strengths. We look forward to continuing the long and distinguished Navy and Marine Corps history of operating throughout the Pacific and being Ambassadors for the United States."

While in the 7th Fleet, the BOXARG will conduct exercises and port visits to enhance maritime partnerships and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The U.S. 7th Fleet AOR spans 48 million square miles, from the International Date Line to the Western Indian Ocean.

The BOXARG will participate in various exercises and events highlighting the longstanding military partnership and enduring friendship between the United States and its allies.

Boxer left its homeport of San Diego, Aug. 23 for a scheduled deployment to the 7th Fleet and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Boxer's last deployment to 7th Fleet was in 2011.

The BOXARG follows in the wake of countless ships, aircraft and Sailors that deployed to the region over the past 100 years, continuing the Navy's ongoing commitment to maintain security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Boxer Amphibious Ready Group to Depart for Deployment

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits San Diego Bay as it gets underway. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a certification exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) and Boxer ARG prior to deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Valverde/Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) is scheduled to depart Aug. 23 for a deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

The BOXARG, which includes USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. BOXARG is fully capable of amphibious assault and Special Forces operations, humanitarian missions and non-combatant operations.

"We've had a very rigorous training cycle to prepare us to execute any mission when called upon," said Capt. Malcolm Potts, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1 and commander of BOXARG. "I am awed and impressed by the ingenuity, creativity, and industriousness of the 4,200 dedicated Sailors and Marines that serve on our ships."

The ships will embark approximately 2,400 Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is capable of conducting conventional amphibious operations and selected maritime special operations at night or during adverse weather conditions from the sea, by surface or by air.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

Boxer Becomes First West Coast Ship to Deploy with Osprey

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor / Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) will become the first West Coast crew to deploy with the MV-22 Osprey this fall.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) is embarked on Boxer as a part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and will deploy with a complement of 12 Ospreys.

The Osprey is intended to replace the CH-46E Sea Knight, the platform the Marine Corps has used since the Vietnam War. The Osprey can carry more combat troops and has a further flight range than the Sea Knight.

"The incorporation of the MV-22 Osprey greatly expands our area of influence, and increases the speed with which the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander is able to respond to crises and mass forces on the Objective," said Maj. Frank Garner, 13th MEU air officer. "The unique flight capabilities of the Osprey provides unprecedented advantage to warfighters, allowing Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Mission Essential Tasks (METs) to be accomplished more efficiently, while enhancing Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group (MEU/ARG) relevance in Combatant Commander (COCOM) Theaters," he added.

The Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, which utilizes vertical short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities. Until recently, the Osprey has seen limited use aboard large deck ships due to its unique design and the modifications required for large deck amphibious ships.

Although Boxer will be the first West Coast ship to deploy with Ospreys, the USS Bataan (LHD 5), stationed in Norfolk, became the first ship overall to deploy with Ospreys in an amphibious environment in 2009.

The crew members aboard Boxer and VMM-166 have trained in several technical areas, such as airframes, hydraulics and avionics, electrical systems, maintenance control to prepare for Boxers upcoming deployment.

"The biggest challenge is the amount of training that we had to accomplish," said Cpl. Neal Helfrey, a flight line mechanic attached to VMM-166. "Half the squadron hasn't deployed before, so the most difficult thing was putting all this training into the timeframe allotted."

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Certification Exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th MEU and Boxer ARG prior to their Fall deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

USS Boxer ARG Underway for COMPTUEX

A Sea Sparrow (RIM-7P) missile is launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during a missile firing exercise. Boxer is underway off the coast of Southern California conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is a scenario-driven exercise aimed at integrating the ships of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group through a series of live training events. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor/Released)

Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Enters 7th Fleet

By Lt. Chad A. Dulac, USS Boxer Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility on March 6, as part of the ship's Western Pacific deployment.

BOXARG arrived in 7th Fleet in support of the Navy's maritime strategy, which includes maritime interdiction operations, counter piracy, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and to promote peace and stability in the region.

"We are entering the Western Pacific area of operation on our transit west with all of our mission capabilities at the ready to support U.S. forces and our regional partners," said Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1 Capt. J. Curtis Shaub. "Our Sailors and Marines continue to train during our passage through 7th Fleet, maintaining their already superb level of proficiency."

The ready group consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45). The ARG is comprised of more than 4,000 personnel with approximately 1,800 Sailors and 2,200 embarked Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

"The world is seeing a high amount of unrest in multiple locations, and with the enduring sea-based assets of our Navy/Marine Team, deployable to over 80 percent of the earth, we can deliver a multitude of capabilities across the spectrum of kinetic and humanitarian mission sets," said Shaub. "We also partner with nations, training and exercising, to lend additional stability and learn from our global friends, neighbors and allies."

Other elements of the BOXARG include the 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.

The 7th Fleet area of responsibility includes more than 48 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, running from the international date line to the eastern coast of Africa, and from the Antarctic to the Kuril Islands, Northeast of Japan. It contains more than half of the world's population.

U.S. 7th Fleet units take part in as many as 100 bilateral and multilateral exercises each year. In addition to these exercises, ships deployed to the 7th Fleet conduct more than 250 port visits every year, as ambassadors of the United States of America.

Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Visits Pearl Harbor

A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 transfers ammunition to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), not pictured, from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during an ammunition onload. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is underway on a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac/Released)

By Lt. Chad A. Dulac, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1 Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG), and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Pearl Harbor, Mar. 1, for a port visit during their deployment.

"This is a great opportunity for the crew of the ARG/MEU to replenish our supplies, embark key personnel, relax a bit and enjoy the spirit of Ohana before we press West on our deployment," said Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1, Capt. J. Curtis Shaub.

Boxer, along with amphibious transport-dock ship, USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and amphibious dock-landing ship, USS Comstock (LSD 45)have trained and prepared to execute a multitude of missions from humanitarian assistance to kinetic operations.

"We are eager to do our part and put to use the skill-sets and readiness the ARG/MEU has worked so diligently to perfect," said Shaub. "The Navy and Marine Corps team is primed at the height of their efficiency and every servicemember wants to employ their skills to support the Maritime Strategy in whatever theater we are asked to operate."

BOXARG includes approximately 4,000 personnel with 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.

During their deployment, BOXARG will 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 support the Navy's Maritime Strategy.

Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group Departs for Deployment

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.

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.

13th MEU Completes ARG/MEU Exercise

By Cpl. Robert C. Medina, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs

DJIBOUTI (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed the weeklong ARG/ MEU Exercise near Camp Lemonier Djibouti May 26.

The exercise was a ship-to-shore training evolution designed to strengthen Navy and Marine Corps amphibious capabilities and involved service members from the USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45) and 13th MEU.

"As the MEU, we are the floating reserve for U.S. Central Command," said Lt. Col. Tye R. Wallace, commanding officer, Battalion Landing Team 1/1. "In that capacity, we have to be ready to go anywhere in the area of operations and perform any of our standard MEU missions."

Marines were joined by the French Foreign Legion throughout the exercise, giving both military forces a chance to learn from each other.

"We mainly paired the French Foreign Legion with Alpha Company to do combined exercises," said Wallace. "They did some small unit infantry training and practiced room search operations to help train French forces."

Wallace said Alpha Company conducted other training with amphibious assault vehicles and tanks to familiarize the French with U.S. Marine Corps operations.

"We also brought some of the French officers and Legionnaires aboard the ship to give them a tour," said Wallace. "This was to build relationships between the two companies and to show them how we live out [at] sea."

Wallace said he hopes this exercise will be a stepping stone for follow-on MEUs to do something similar and continue to build working relationships.

"I think we came out of the exercise stronger than when we came in," he said. "We have identified any issues and taken corrective action to bring ourselves back up to our full capabilities."

Weapons Company, BLT 1/1, also tested some of their equipment ashore while conducting field operations.

Staff Sgt. Steven E. Williams, platoon sergeant for Weapons Company, said they wanted to put some rounds down range to keep up to date on marksmanship skills.

This gave Weapons Company an opportunity to get some time out in the field to build unit cohesion.

"I know it was really hot out here, but both new Marines and those who have been with us for awhile learned something," he said. "It was good to get off the ship and get some training in. I think the Marines really enjoyed themselves; I know the French did as well."

The 13th MEU and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a deployment in support of regional and maritime security operations.

In addition to BLT 1/1, the MEU is composed of its Command Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 13.

Boxer ARG Begins Exercise in the Gulf of Aden

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began an ARG/ Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX) May 19, in the Gulf of Aden and ashore at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti.

The weeklong ARG/MEUEX is an amphibious ship-to-shore training evolution designed to enhance Navy and Marine Corps amphibious capabilities in unfamiliar terrain and involves the USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45) and 13th MEU.

"It is extremely important for Marines and Sailors of a deployed ARG/MEU to conduct exercises while deployed," said LtCol Tye R. Wallace, Commanding Officer, Battalion Landing Team 1/1. "In order to be the most ready force, we must constantly keep our combat skills at their peak."

The exercise demonstrates the ability of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th MEU to conduct both large-scale combat operations and humanitarian assistance anywhere in the world and will consist of tactical amphibious landings, bi-lateral training with the French Foreign Legion and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP), as well as other events.

"The MEU is expected to execute any of its assigned missions, from the sea, within six hours of receiving an execute order," said Wallace. "This means going directly into the fight from our ships. No one else does this. This is a unique capability that the Navy / Marine Corps team provides our nation. This allows our deployed naval forces to be relevant, responsive, and ready for action."

The ARG/MEUEX is scheduled to conclude May 26.
The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, USS Boxer (LHD 4), New Orleans, Comstock, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 Detachment 3, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.

The 13th MEU is comprised of a Command Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163(Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 13th MEU is currently on a deployment in support of regional and Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.