Boxer Receives 5th Battle "E" in Nine Years
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS040322-06
Release Date: 3/22/2004 8:16:00 PM
By Lithographer's Mate 2nd Class Sadie Belle Conklin, USS Boxer Public Affairs
ABOARD USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) was recognized Feb. 27 for all the hard work from the past year and through two deployments, when the ship earned the Battle Efficiency Award (Battle "E"). The award is given annually to the best ships in the fleet.
This is the fifth time in nine years the ship has earned the award.
"The Battle 'E' validates Boxer's steady-strain approach to all aspects of our business. Professional execution, adherence to standards, and a focus on Sailor development were key to earning this award," said Capt. Thomas D. Crowley, commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship.
"It was a real testament to the hard work and professionalism of Boxer Sailors and Marines that they were selected for this award from the very stiff competition," said Crowley.
The award recognizes a command's sustained superior performance in an operational environment. To qualify for Battle 'E' consideration, a ship must be nominated by their immediate superior in command, as well as win a minimum of three of five command excellence awards, which include the Type Commander Ship's Safety; Maritime Warfare Excellence; Engineering and Survivability; Command, Control and Information Warfare Excellence; and the Supply and Management Awards.
Engineering department played a key role, winning the Engineering and Survivability Award, where assessors look at many aspects of engineering operations, including the ability to keep the plant running, the management of casualties in machinery rooms, and the way in which drills are run.
The engineers are responsible for numerous tasks, from running the power and water plants, to maintaining sewage systems and training the crew to handle shipboard damage if it occurs.
The Supply department also contributed significantly, helping Boxer win the Supply and Management Award. Supply is responsible for providing materials, supplies and support services. Some provided services include the ship's store, laundry, food services and a bank.
Lt. Cmdr. James Albritton, Boxer's assistant supply officer, said the assessors evaluate multiple areas, including accurate accountability logs throughout the department, a disbursing audit and the fiscal year's Supply Management Assessment (SMA) scores. SMA is a Navywide inspection for which all supply departments must participate.
The ship, deployed twice within a year to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, has the type of operational tempo that helps make ships battle efficient, according to one Boxer Sailor.
"Battle 'E' is what the Navy expects from a front-line warship." said Master Chief Damage Controlman Rick D. Mathis. "Look back and see what we have accomplished during two deployments with less than a year turn-around. We steamed for 98 percent of that time without ever breaking down or having to pass off our duties to another ship because of engineering problems. So we are not just following Navy standards, we are setting them."
During the first half of 2003, Boxer was deployed to the Persian Gulf as a member of Amphibious Task Force (ATF) West. ATF West was comprised of seven ships that transported Marine forces and equipment to the coast of Kuwait.
Just six months after returning from supporting forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the United States called again and Boxer was there to answer. Deploying to transport Marine personnel and equipment in support of force rotations in Iraq, Boxer's crew completed their mission expeditiously and without incident Feb. 25.
"I am glad that all of the crew's hard work was recognized. I am proud to be a part of the Boxer team," said Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Joyce Tenorio.
The ship is currently returning home to its San Diego homeport.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
