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Boxer Command and Control Supports 7th Fleet Mission

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061017-08
Release Date: 10/17/2006 3:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Seward, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER (NNS) -- As USS Boxer (LHD 4) transited near the Philippines Oct. 9, its combat information center (CIC) worked with other ships of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) to gather information in support of U.S. 7th Fleet’s mission of protecting the region and deterring aggression against U.S. forces and its allies.

As Information Warfare Commander, Boxer, flagship of BOXESG, is able to support 7th Fleet’s mission by managing the flow and dissemination of information to the strike group. Information is relayed to the strike group via Boxer’s Joint Operations Center (JOC), part of the ship’s CIC. The JOC is the central hub for all of the CIC’s in the strike group. The strike group warfare commanders use these command-and-control assets to maintain open lines of communication.

“Each ship has its own warfare designator,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ted Trevino, CIC officer aboard Boxer. “Whether it’s surface, air, or information, these designators boost the strike group’s mission proficiency.”

The information processed by Boxer command and control directly affects how the strike group operates.

“CIC makes it possible for the ships in the strike group to operate together as one,” said Ens. Christopher Ray, CIC watch officer. “Every ship in the strike group has a purpose and a mission to accomplish.”

Boxer’s command-and-control capabilities support the strike group’s mission by processing information and analyzing it before passing it on to BOXESG ships.

“The way BOXESG communicates is unique,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Robert Swigart, CIC leading petty officer. “Boxer’s CIC ensures each strike group ship knows exactly what is happening, which is getting Marines to the fight and supporting their mission.”

While operating in 7th Fleet, BOXESG will continue to identify possible threats to the region and respond if necessary.

“We recognize threats such as small boat attacks and submarine warfare,” said Swigart. “Every day we gather information to prepare the strike group for potential threats.”

While transiting to U.S. 5th Fleet, which includes the Persian Gulf, Boxer’s command and control will stay ready by maintaining a rigorous training schedule and rehearsing geopolitical scenarios. It is also preparing for a joint amphibious exercise with the Indian navy.

Boxer is the flagship for the BOXESG, operating out of San Diego, Calif.; which is reporting operationally to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/ Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious task force.