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Boxer Begins JASEX with Typical "Golden Gator" Flare

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050812-08
Release Date: 8/12/2005 10:14:00 AM

By Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class D. Arthur Jones and Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher Elmini, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) began the third annual Joint Air and Sea Exercise (JASEX) Aug. 7 with an armed flight deck of five AV-8B Harrier IIs and a team of 87 Marines from 1st Marine Air Wing. The Marines joined the more than 1,200 crew members aboard the “Golden Gator” specifically for the exercise.

JASEX emphasizes training to support solidarity throughout the Asian-Pacific region. During the seven–day exercise, Boxer, along with the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Strike Group, the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Wing, 5th Air Force and 1st Marine Air Wing, will conduct joint training combining carrier and amphibious operations.

“JASEX is one of those great opportunities where we can work with our nation’s other forces,” said Cmdr. Mark Volpe, Boxer’s operations officer. “Working as a joint task force is a great venue for learning from each other and integrating.”

JASEX is the third major exercise Boxer has participated in since it began its deployment. Boxer previously participated in exercises with Malaysia in exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) and Australia in exercise Talisman Saber 2005. JASEX provides the first opportunity for the 844-foot long Boxer to conduct AV-8B Harrier II operations since deploying April 29.

While preparing for JASEX, forces of nature provided real-world challenges when tropical typhoon “Matsa” moved through the operating area, causing units to move the exercise more than 600 miles to stay one step ahead of the storm.

“A typhoon is an unpredictable storm,” said Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class Ann Powell. “Not only do we have to monitor the storm, but we also had to relocate the whole area of the exercise. It is a testament to the flexibility of our forces.”

JASEX is being conducted in the vicinity of Okinawa, and it will enable participating units to increase real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea.

Boxer is the fourth of seven ships in the Wasp class of large deck amphibious assault ships and is capable of performing a multitude of missions, including transporting and operating with Harriers, in support of national interests. The ship is scheduled to return to its homeport of San Diego in September.