ESG 5 Visits Hawaii
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060924-03
Release Date: 9/24/2006 3:00:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Martin, USS Boxer Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 commanded by Rear Adm. Mark W. Balmert pulled into Hawaii Sept. 22, the first stop on their 2006 Western Pacific deployment.
The purpose of the visit was to transfer command from Balmert to Capt. David Angood, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5.
The port visit also gave Sailors and Marines a chance to relax and enjoy local culture before continuing with their deployment.
"It’s traditional to stop in Hawaii, and these Sailors and Marines have earned it,” said Boxer Command Master Chief, CMDCM Shane Kamps. “This gives the crew a chance to visit a tropical paradise before we start doing the hard work ahead.”
After Hawaii, Boxer ESG will continue conducting operations in support of the global war on terrorism while transiting to the Persian Gulf.
“This ESG is a multifaceted group of ships. We can do anything together,” said Kamps. “Right now we are focused on the mission at hand, which is to go do what the Navy needs us to do and get the Marines on land.”
Boxer ESG is comprised of Boxer, USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Howard (DDG 83), and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). ESG 5 also includes PHIBRON 5, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Coast Guard cutter Midgett (WHEC 726) and Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341).
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