USS Boxer Becomes Flagship for CTF 151

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class T.S. Hall, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs



USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), homeported in San Diego, assumed the role as flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 March 8 after arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment.

Established in early January, CTF 151's mandate is to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and currently includes naval forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark and Turkey.

"We've had a great deal of success in deterring piracy to this point," said Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, commander, CTF 151. "We've conducted counter-piracy operations on the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), two guided-missile cruisers -- USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and USS Monterey (CG 61) -- and now we're going to continue our mission on Boxer, which continues our line of extremely flexible platforms. Boxer has a lot to offer in the fight against piracy."

McKnight said that CTF 151 has coordinated with many nations to help thwart piracy in the region.

"Piracy isn't a problem that affects one or two nations," he said. "It's a problem that affects the whole world and the free flow of commerce in the world's waterways. Piracy requires an international solution."

Capt. Mark Cedrun, Boxer's commanding officer, said the amphibious assault ship provides an exceptional and diverse array of options to commanders in tracking, identifying and deterring piracy at sea.

"We bring unique and very effective tools to the theatre to accomplish any mission or assignment," he said. "Whether it's humanitarian assistance or counter-piracy operations, we're ready."

Boxer's embarked units include the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 Detachment 3, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, ACU 1, Beach Master Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 5 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

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

USS Boxer Underway in the SoCal Opareas

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) performs maneuvers off the coast of Southern California. Boxer is on a certification exercise supporting the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker (Released)

Boxer Shines During Pre-Deployment Readiness Inspection

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson, USS Boxer Public Affairs

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits San Diego Bay. Boxer is preparing for an upcoming deployment early next year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Brandenburg (Released)

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer's (LHD 4) Medical Department earned the highest rating possible during a Medical Readiness Inspection (MRI) Nov. 1 in preparation for the ship's upcoming deployment.

Boxer's medical staff worked together to ensure their facilities met Naval Surface Forces' readiness standards for deployment and that the equipment and supplies could support all medical needs of the ship's crew.

"MRI is a measurement of the entire medical department by senior enlisted hospital corpsman, doctors and nurses," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Stephen Richardson.

Sailors were meticulous in their performance of duties because any expired pharmaceutical supplies or incomplete crew member immunizations are automatic inspection failures.

"Our department spent a lot of time and energy cleaning, inventorying supplies, updating records, administering immunizations and testing equipment," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christopher Keplinger. "All the hard work from our Sailors resulted in us earning C1 status, which is the absolute best you can achieve."

Boxer's Sailors dedicated themselves to ensuring the department reflected their own high level of professionalism and efficiency.

"We had corpsman working late at night and some even came in off of leave to help us leading up to inspection," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Preston Sanders. "Earning the highest rating and recognition assures us we're doing a good job, and I believe it keeps our morale high."

The excellent rating Boxer medical earned continues the ship's history of battle readiness to the fleet. The ship is a consecutive winner of the Navy's "Green H" award for medical preparedness.

"We've always worked to excel and set the standard," Richardson said. Our success was a result of the effort of every corpsman in medical staying late to update personnel records or inventory supplies. Hopefully it's an assurance to the rest of the crew that we can serve their medical needs."

BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.

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, Assault Craft Unit 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.

New UH-1Y Huey Takes Flight During Boxer ESG Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Daniel Barker, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- Marine Medium Helicopter (HMM) Squadron 163 (Reinforced), embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), is among the first squadrons to operate the new Bell UH-1Y "Huey" helicopter, which was tested as part of the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) integration exercise Oct. 7-16.

The most modern tactical utility helicopter available, the Huey is the latest version of one of the Marine Corps' most durable and versatile helicopters, with many improvements on the previous UH-1N.

"This 'Yankee' version of the classic UH-1 'November' is making the Huey applicable to today's war," said Marine Capt. Tara Russell, an HMM 163 (Rein.) "Evil Eyes" pilot. "Everything has been improved, from the lift capability and flying time to situational awareness systems like a glass cockpit with a moving map display."

Boxer is the first ship to have the new helicopter aboard as part of its rotary wing aircraft augmentation for deployment. With a new composite four bladed rotor system, two powerful T700-GE 401C engines and decreased maintenance requirements, it provides BOXESG a more advanced ability to provide humanitarian aid or to take the fight to the enemy wherever needed.

"With the resources to carry both personnel and a full arsenal of weapons we have an expanded capability to support groups on the ground and participate in a greater range of missions," said Marine Capt. Brian Hensarling, an "Evil Eyes" pilot.

Upgraded features also include increased survivability from enemy attack with a laser warning receiver, radar warning receiver, "smart" countermeasure dispenser and a missile warning device.

Improved safety systems include energy-absorbing landing gear, self sealing fuel systems and a fuel vapor inerting system.

"The upgrades that are among the most beneficial for the crew and passengers are the energy attenuating seats that reduce the effects of G-forces in the event of a crash," said Russell. "Before this, the passengers just had to sit on the deck."

The new Huey also features greater operational flexibility due to 50 percent increased range, faster maximum speed, a stronger airframe design, advanced electronic warfare self protection and 125 percent greater payload than the previous UH-1N.

The BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.

BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Boxer, 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, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.

The 13th MEU is comprised of HMM 163 (Rein.), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.

Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group Completes First Stage of Work Ups

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Hopkins, USS Boxer Public Affairs

An AV-8B Harrier II jet assigned to Fixed Wing Marine Attack Squadron 214 lands aboard the flight deck of USS Boxer (LHD 4) off the coast of Southern California. Boxer is on a training exercise preparing for a Western-Pacific deployment scheduled for early next year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

The ships and units of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) completed their Expeditionary Strike Group Integration (ESGINT) exercise off the coast of Southern California Oct. 16.

ESGINT was the first of three pre-deployment exercises for the strike group in preparation for a deployment scheduled for early next year. The exercise focused on strengthening the cooperation between the ships of BOXESG and the Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

"This was the crawl stage in our preparations for deployment," said Capt. Peter K. Dallman, BOXESG commander. "Our goal was to work [towards] certification at our next at-sea period which is our Composite Training Unit Exercise, a period in which the Navy side of our group is graded on a series of capabilities and then certified as ready to deploy."

Throughout ESGINT, Boxer Sailors and more than 900 Marines from the 13th MEU worked side-by-side through training exercises ranging from the launch and recovery of aircraft and a simulated beach assault to emergency response damage control exercises and mass casualty drills.

The exercise also provided the opportunity to test Boxer's coordination and defense systems via a strait transit exercise, during which Boxer coordinated with other BOXESG ships to steam in formation simulating transiting through a narrow body of water such as the Strait of Hormuz.

ESGINT was not without its difficulties, Dallman said. Integration through training was one of the biggest challenges during the exercise.

"The greatest challenge to BOXESG during this period was that it's the first time we've come together to operate in a composite warfare command construct," Dallman said. "And we are trying to defend ourselves at sea from air, surface, and sub-surface attack while simultaneously learning the intricacies of executing the Navy/Marine Corps team's missions."

According to Col. David W. Coffman, commanding officer for the 13th MEU, ESGINT was one of the first steps toward streamlining the joint capabilities of Boxer Sailors and 13th MEU Marines for the upcoming deployment.

"This exercise was the first step for Boxer Sailors and 13th MEU Marines to get to know each other and work together," said Coffman. "We have a range of missions that we have to be able to execute coming off amphibious shipping, so for the next three months, as we do these at-sea periods, we'll be preparing and then certified to go to sea aboard the BOXESG as a sea-based Marine Air/Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and deliver mission capability to combatant commanders."

Coffman highlighted the unique dimensions the 13th MEU brings to ESGINT.

"When we speak of the blue/green team, it's the embodiment of the naval character of the Marine Corps. You aren't a Marine if you can't get aboard ship, work with its Sailors, and then leave the ship for your mission.

"Marine aviation and ground assets linked together under the control of the common commander provide unique capability to the mission," Coffman said. "Our MAGTF combines air, ground, and logistic capability all linked and working on a common coordinated mission."

"The Navy/Marine Corps team provides forward-deployed expeditionary forces that are the most ready when the nation is least ready," Coffman said.

Coffman added that in addition to testing and improving the capability of shipboard and 13th MEU operational systems, the ESGINT mission also mentally prepared the Marines for deployment by exposing them to the culture of life at sea.

"For many of our Marines, this was their first time aboard a Navy ship," said Coffman. "We're just taking the first steps toward making seagoing Marines out of them. Many of the Marines serving don't get the opportunity and privilege to serve aboard amphibious ships and get back to the Navy/Marine Corps business we made famous during World War II and since."

Command sergeant major for the 13th MEU, Command Sgt. Maj. Enrique X. Hines, echoed Coffman's assessment, and noted the exercise encourages teamwork and respect between Marines and Sailors.

"ESGINT prepares Marines for deployment by integrating the Sailors and Marines," said Hines. "We gain a definite respect for one another. Some Sailors have no idea what Marines do when they leave the ship, and Marines get an appreciation of what it takes to run a vessel of this size. And what I think the Marines will walk away with is a definite sense of respect for our Navy brothers, and vice versa."

Dallman said the exercise was a prime example of the capabilities of the Navy/Marine Corps team, and that through the cooperation of BOXESG and the 13th MEU, the strike group will be fully ready for deployment in the new year.

"The Navy and Marine Corps team is an enormously capable and powerful tool that's manifested in BOXESG and the 13th MEU working together at sea to then go influence events ashore in a combined effort," said Dallman. "Across the board, [the strike group] has incredible capabilities, and we've tested many of them during this exercise. By the time we deploy, we'll certainly be ready to accomplish our mission together."

BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.

BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th MEU, Boxer, 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, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1, 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.

An MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopter conducts night flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer is on a training exercise preparing for a Western Pacific deployment scheduled for early next year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Rasmussen/Released)

Army Helos Expand Capability with Boxer

By Private 1st Class Gisell Martinez, USS Boxer (LHD 4) Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At sea (NNS) -- The Army's 1-226th Aviation Regiment conducted deck landing qualifications (DLQ) aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), May 13, while the ship was off the coast of Guatemala for Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.

The Regiment conducted the DLQs to ensure they are qualified to land their helicopters aboard a Navy ship should they need to refuel during a natural disaster.

In September of 2007, the 1-226th was responding to Hurricane Felix, which hit the coasts of Honduras and Guatemala. When their helicopters were short on fuel, they had to create various "stand-alone" fueling stations, which required additional manpower and coordination, taking away from the primary mission. The regiment was not able to fly to the nearby Navy ships right off the coast because they were not qualified to land on their flight decks.

"We never get the opportunity to do this," said Army Lt. Col. Todd Conyers, the 1-226th's commanding officer. "For the Army to have the capability and the chance to train with the Marine Corps and the Navy is an honor."

According to Conyers, the 1-226th's primary mission in the U.S. Southern Command's area of focus is anti-narcotics, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. He said qualifying aboard Boxer allows them greater flexibility to be able to respond to all of their mission responsibilities.

Throughout the training, the 1-226th conducted DLQs with four AH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews and two CH-47 Chinook helicopter crews which included two medical evacuation drills.

"Now we can do joint operations with Navy and Marines to make our mission more effective and efficient aboard a Navy ship," added Conyers. "It's an honor for the 1-226th to be a part of joint operations and we look forward to doing it again."

The 1-226th working with Boxer allows for greater reach around the globe for future missions like Continuing Promise, Boxer's humanitarian civic assistance mission with Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru.

Boxer's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.

Embarked units and organizations aboard Boxer for CP include Amphibious Squadron 5, Fleet Surgical Team 5, U.S. Public Health Service, Project Hope, Project Handclasp, Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Special Marine Air Ground Task Force 24, Helicopter Sea Combat Support Squadron 23, Assault Craft Unit 1, Fleet Survey Team and Beach Master Unit 1.

Boxer Deploys to Latin America for Continuing Promise 2008

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael E. Miller Jr., USS Boxer Public Affairs


The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) leaves Naval Base San Diego for a two-month deployment to Latin America as part of a humanitarian mission. During the deployment, the ship's crew will provide humanitarian relief to Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia M. Riveracorrea)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) along with various embarked units and non-governmental organizations (NGO) departed Naval Base San Diego April 28 in route to Latin America nations for the Pacific Phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.

CP is an equal partnership mission designed to combine partner nation and U.S. relief capabilities to demonstrate the lasting bonds and shared interests among neighbors.

Specific locations for the ship's relief operations include Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru. The deployment is scheduled to last through June.

The Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) mission provides partner nations in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of focus a mobile, flexible and rapidly responsive medical and engineering capability for a number of missions and training opportunities in Central and South America. This is Boxer's first deployment since returning from the Western Pacific in May 2007.

The Pacific Phase of CP is one of two HCA deployments planned for the USSOUTHCOM area of focus for 2008. The second CP deployment will be conducted by USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in the Caribbean. The deployments are modeled in part on last year's USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) deployment to the region that delivered substantial medical and dental support to a large number of people in remote locations. Boxer's deployment is planned with a more robust capability for engineering operations ashore.

"This is what the Navy has always done," said Boxer's commanding officer, Capt. Matthew J. McCloskey. "It's always been about diplomacy and it's always been about helping people. I think the prospect of being able to go down there and do something focused on helping people just fits Boxer."

Wasp-class amphibious assault ships like Boxer are designed with a variety of expeditionary mission capabilities, including rapid, projected humanitarian assistance worldwide. It also has the physical capacity to transport large amounts of medical and engineering supplies and equipment to most locations around the globe.

Boxer's CP deployment has been coordinated through Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5 with partner nations in the region and planned hand-in-hand with a variety of governmental and NGOs to creatively address the level and scope of care that will be needed to support regional medical needs. A key objective of this deployment is to address regional health service support requirements and promote clinical information sharing across the region.

"We are partnering with our neighbors to provide construction capabilities ashore, basic primary health care, dentistry, environmental health care, optometry, biomedical repair, training and even veterinary care," said Commander of PHIBRON 5, Commodore Peter K. Dallman. "We are also planning to provide a limited number of surgeries on board the ship which is a unique capability that Boxer brings."

The embarked Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5, will work with Latin American medical teams and NGOs in treatment, training and infrastructure support across the host countries.

Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 will support Boxer and FST 5's medical mission by bringing robust construction capabilities, civic action repairs and minor construction projects to nations in the region.

"The variety of training and capabilities Continuing Promise will take into the region clearly demonstrates our nation's commitment to fostering cooperative partnerships," said Dallman. "This is a diverse mission that demands a diverse ship and crew. The same flexibility that makes Boxer an effective warship also makes it an extraordinarily effective platform for performing humanitarian assistance missions."

"America is a country interested in freedom, our own personal freedom and everyone else's freedom," added McCloskey. "We're a country that's willing to reach out and help with no strings attached. I want to thank these nations for partnering with us."