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USS Boxer Returns from Surge Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050914-08
Release Date: 9/14/2005 6:00:00 PM

From U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), commanded by Capt. Thomas J. Culora, returned to its homeport of San Diego Sept. 14, after a four-and-a-half-month surge deployment.

This deployment was a prime example of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Fleet Response Plan (FRP). FRP provides the President with a greater range of naval options and maximizes the Navy’s ability to respond to critical situations.

During the course of Boxer’s deployment, the ship performed a wide array of evolutions, including underway replenishments with foreign ships, Australian S-70A Blackhawk helicopter operations, numerous landing craft, air cushion troop-landings with Australian and Malaysian forces, and AV-8B Harrier operations.

This was Boxer’s third deployment in three years. During this deployment, Boxer provided support for key U.S. 7th Fleet exercises including Talisman Saber (a joint exercise with Australia) and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), where Boxer worked closely with Malaysian army and navy forces. Both exercises helped to develop key strategies which will benefit future operations, including the war on terrorism.

Following CARAT and Talisman Saber, Boxer participated in the Joint Air and Sea Exercise (JASEX), a training evolution to enhance the operational ability of U.S. Marine and Air Force units representing democracy on the front lines of the Asian-Pacific theater.

Boxer’s last mission was a community outreach program in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. There, Sailors provided humanitarian relief in the form of dental and medical support, repair to dilapidated buildings and medical training to the citizens of the island.

“Boxer Sailors performed magnificently throughout this surge deployment.” said Culora. “They demonstrated their tremendous flexibility and skill at adapting to multi-faceted missions and diverse tasking. Moreover, they worked together as a team, whether engaged in complex amphibious air and sea operations or ashore participating in humanitarian medical, dental or community projects.”

Boxer, also known as the “Golden Gator,” is the fourth of seven ships in the Wasp class of large-deck amphibious assault ships. Boxer is capable of performing a multitude of missions in support of national interests.