Boxer ARG WESTPAC 99 Deployment
LHD-4 Boxer
"Golden Gator"
In June 1998, Boxer departed for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to take part in the U.S. Navy's joint naval exercise, RIMPAC. For over a month the Boxer's Marine assault forces use the ship as a springboard to carry out mock amphibious landings by using Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters to move troops onto the beaches. These landings were carried out for over a month while Boxer operated just off the coast of Hawaii, supporting Marines ashore and providing Harrier jets for close air support. Arriving in port San Diego on July 13, 1998, Boxer immediately began its second work-up cycle in preparation for a second WESPAC to begin in December 1998.
Just 15 months after the first WESPAC, Boxer departed on its second overseas deployment on December 05, 1998. The CPR-7 continued to serve as USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group's (ARG) embarked staff, however, the 15th MEU was replaced by the 13th MEU. Boxer ARG's support ships consisted this time of the USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Boxer ARG again participated in several foreign relations exercises during the deployment with Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. However, just days after Boxer ARG departed San Diego, the U.S. Navy launched attacks into Iraq during "Operation Desert Fox." Boxer arrived in the Arabian Gulf Theater only after the hostilities subsided, however, Boxer ARG was dispatch to the Red Sea when the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia threatened to cause the evacuation of U.S. Citizens. After 58 days underway, hostilities between the two African countries calmed down and Boxer ARG was able to continue with its deployment. The Boxer also again showed the American flag abroad like its first deployment by visiting Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Kenya, Indonesia and Australia. Returning to San Diego on June 05, 1999, Boxer began it second Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA) and training period.
Chronology
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05 Jun 1999 - Returned to San Diego
05 Dec 1998 - Deploys
13 Jul 1998 - San Diego
Jun 1998 - RIMPAC
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