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USS Boxer Returns From Surge Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050916-11
Release Date: 9/16/2005 11:47:00 AM

By Journalist 3rd Class Cynthia R. Smith, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The crew of USS Boxer (LHD 4) returned to San Diego Sept. 14, after a four-and-a-half month surge deployment in support of exercises Talisman Saber '05, a joint exercise with Australia; and Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), with Malaysian army and navy forces.

Boxer’s deployment, their third in three years, was a prime example of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Fleet Response Plan, a program that provides the President with a greater range of naval options and maximizes the Navy’s ability to respond to critical situations.

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

Boxer also participated in a community outreach program in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands where Sailors provided dental and medical support, repaired buildings and provided medical training to citizens of the island.

For Photographer’s Mate 1st Class (AW) Steven Vanderwerff, the deployment was a great chance to work with other nation’s militaries.

“It was a good experience to be out there working with the Australian Navy and working in a joint environment,” said Vanderwerff. “I really enjoyed my time out there, but it is wonderful to be home again.”