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Boxer Crowned with Green

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030514-08

Release Date: 5/14/2003 4:43:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Karen Golembieski, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- From March 18 to April 24, USS Boxer (LHD 4) assumed the Greencrown title for Commander, Task Force 51, which was in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Greencrown is responsible for the identification of every aircraft flying within the Amphibious Task Force's (ATF) area of responsibility. Basically, Greencrown identifies the aircraft as friend or foe.

"Greencrown is the bouncer for the party given by Joyride," is the analogy Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11 Det. 3 Officer in Charge Cmdr. "Abe" Sebastian frequently uses to describe the relationship between Greencrown and Joyride, the amphibious air traffic control agency for ATF airspace.

Being assigned this responsibility is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and tactical proficiency of the Boxer combat information center (CIC) team and TACRON 11 Sailors and officers embarked aboard Boxer.

"Boxer is a vital coordinating unit for air defense in the NAG," said Senior Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) James Marshall. Both Boxer and TACRON bring senior warriors with more years of air defense under their collective belts than they would like to admit.

These senior warriors add a tremendous amount of experience and common sense to this part of the ATF defense mission.

"To Boxer's Sailors and crew, this role is important. We are providing a critical function for the entire NAG," added Marshall. A thought echoed by every watch officer and controller involved in the Greencrown effort, this responsibility is normally given to an Aegis cruiser or destroyer. Prior to Boxer assuming the role, Greencrown rested with USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), which recently left the theater to return to San Diego.

"The reason Boxer and TACRON team has been so successful,is due to the hard work and dedication of the warriors in the Boxer's CIC and TACRON who stand the Greencrown watches 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," Marshall said. "When most of the crew is asleep or enjoying 'holiday routine,' Boxer and TACRON 11 professionals are tracking and identifying air craft to keep everyone safe."