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Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5

ESG 5 is comprised of Boxer (LHD 4), Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Benfold (DDG 65), and USS Howard (DDG 83). ESG 5 also includes PHIBRON 5, the 15th MEU, Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WHEC 726) and Canadian Frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341).

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 successfully completed its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California, 21 August 2006. JTFEX is ESG 5's last of three evaluations over the summer, readying the strike group for its deployment scheduled later this year. The exercise is designed to use real-world scenarios to prepare the strike grou for situations that could occur during deployment. During JTFEX, ESG 5 was evaluated on its ability to carry out forward command element operations, humanitarian aid, non-combatant evacuation operations, direct action raids, and visit, board, search and seizure exercises.

The strike group's warfare command is comprised of PHIBRON 5 as Mine Warfare Commander, Maritime Interdiction Commander, Maritime Strike Operations Commander and Amphibious Warfare Commander. The warfare command also includes Howard as Air Defense Commander, Boxer as Information Warfare Commander, Bunker Hill as Sea Combat Commander and the Commanding Officer of the 15th MEU.

USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) assumed the role as Sea Combat Commander Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 when she left on her Western Pacific deployment Sept. 13. The role of Sea Combat Commander is traditionally filled by destroyer squadron commanders when they deploy with a carrier strike group. Cruisers usually provide air defense for an ESG. Because of the broad range of operational requirements of an ESG, a ship's role can be modified to fit the needs of the strike group.

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 is the first ESG to try a new method of command during its deployment to the Western Pacific. ESG 5 Commander, Rear Adm. Mark W. Balmert, departed the strike group in Hawaii and transferred command to Capt. David Angood, commodore of Amphibious Squadron Five (PHIBRON) 5. Angood will then assume command responsibilities as Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) for USS Boxer (LHD 4) ESG. Angood will work together with six commanding officers of ships in the ESG who also fill the role of warfare commanders for the strike group.

Warfare commanders are responsible for the operational needs of the ESG, such as communications, sea combat and air defense. This is the first time since the Navy and Marine Corps have stood up an ESG that a command-led flag element that has been here throughout the work-ups will leave the strike group. The successful realignment of the strike group's leadership will rely on the teamwork between the warfare commanders, and their support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Tactical authority will be given to the warfare commanders to give them the ability to make decisions without having to wait for approval from the ESG commander, which will allow for quick response and flexibility. Capt. Bruce W. Nichols, commanding officer of Boxer, is the information warfare commander for ESG 5. He is responsible for managing the electromagnetic spectrum, computer network defense, and to protect the strike group from electronic attack.

Warfare commanders conduct specific missions and have control of assets to perform these missions. It's a principle part of naval warfare known as control by negation. Trust and communication between the warfare commanders are vital to the overall success of the mission. Open lines of communication will help to ensure that each commander is aware of the overall status of the ESG, as well as enabling Angood to have the information he will need to lead the strike group. Capt. Charles M. Gaouette, USS Bunker Hill's (CG 52) commanding officer and sea combat commander, is responsible for defending the strike group from subsurface, surface and air threats using its multiple missile launching systems.

Teamwork between the warfare commanders will give the various commands more flexibility than past strike groups. Even with the new command structure, Sailors and Marines must still meet age-old challenges of being out to sea during deployment.

The strike group, which deployed on 13 September 2006, conducted operations in support of the global war on terrorism while transiting to the Persian Gulf.