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Boxer ESG Transits Strait of Malacca

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061023-18
Release Date: 10/23/2006 2:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian Gaines, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) navigated through the Strait of Malacca Oct. 16 while transiting towards the Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism.

Because of the strait’s length, width, and it being one of the busiest sea lanes in the world, the transit north required BOXESG’s expert seamanship on behalf of Boxer’s bridge team.

The imposed maneuvering restrictions require the ships to increase their defensive postures by adding more Sailors to look out for potential threats and hazards.

“In the strait we have a lot of contact between fishermen and merchants going about their daily lives,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tommy Liveoak, Boxer’s weapons officer. “It’s hard to distinguish bad guys from the good guys, so we have to increase our threat posture.”

The passage required the Sailors to remain vigilant and to report all contacts and obstructions.

“We are looking for any hostile boat or surface contacts in the strait,” said Gunner’s Mate Seaman Alfonso Martinez, of Tustin, Calif., who manned a gun mount during the transit.

The Republic of Singapore (RSN) navy provided patrol boats during the 12-hour transit to provide additional assistance.

“Compared to an open ocean transit, it’s a lot more stressful because you have an increased situational awareness around you,” said Boxer Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Robert E. Barber, assistant navigator/assistant force navigator U.S. 5th Fleet. “In a situation like this, with all of the merchant vessels and less than a mile visibility, everyone has to work as a team.”

The transit required many Sailors to help during the passage.

“Engineers are a large part of going through the strait,” said Boxer Machinist's Mate Fireman Tyree Green. “We coordinate with the bridge and engineering control to help ensure we maneuver with no problems and perform to the best of our abilities.”

The coordination of the ships of BOXESG, the RSN and the vigilance of their watch standers contributed to the successful transit through the Strait of Malacca.

BOXESG is now entering the Indian Ocean where it will participate in a joint amphibious exercise with the Indian navy.

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