USS Boxer Stops in Singapore
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS040212-05 Release Date: 2/12/2004 6:07:00 PM
By Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Amanda J. Stuart, USS Boxer Public Affairs
CHANGI, Singapore (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), currently on its second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, arrived in Singapore for a routine port visit Feb. 6.
The visit gave the more than 900 Sailors and 200 Marines embarked aboard Boxer a chance to enjoy the sights and culture of Singapore while the ship took on stores and conducted personnel changes before continuing on to the Persian Gulf.
Cryptologist Technician 2nd Class (SW) Benjamin Brooks, from York, Pa., said, "I had a really good time walking around, seeing the sights, trying to get a feel for the local cultures. We went shopping at many malls, saw the War Memorial and Mr. Foamy, who is made of polystyrene and other non-biodegrable products. He is a reminder to recycle, and keep the city beautiful."
The 844 foot-long amphibious assault ship Boxer is serving as a transport for personnel and equipment of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (1 MEF). Along with embarked personnel, Boxer is carrying equipment from 1 MEF support commands. The payload includes 16 CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, out of Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Calif., two CH-46D Sea Knight helicopters from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 11, out of Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., and three Landing Craft Air Cushion from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Boxer is 106 feet wide and displaces 40,000 tons. The ship was commissioned Feb. 11, 1995, and was built using 21,000 tons of steel, 400 tons of aluminum and 400 miles of electrical cable.
Boxer is commanded by Capt. Tom Crowley and is homeported in San Diego.
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