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CTF 158 Visits USS Boxer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061120-10
Release Date: 11/20/2006 4:05:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian Gaines, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 158/Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen arrived aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) Nov. 13 as the ship continued operations in the Persian Gulf.

Jensen visited Boxer to discuss maritime security operations (MSO) in the Northern Persian Gulf. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the area and protect Iraq’s sea-based infrastructure to help provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.

“It’s the most challenging maritime mission in the world today,” said Jensen. “We are helping our friends in the Iraqi navy and marines get their feet on the ground to reclaim responsibility for defense of their waterways and oil resources.”

Recently, the U.S. Navy chartered a barge, called Ocean 6, that acts as a forward operating base in support of MSO in the Northern Persian Gulf. Jensen said the addition of the barge will help coalition forces patrol the area and speed up the process of turning the region over to Iraqi forces.

“Using the barge as a staging area gives the Iraqi navy a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week presence. The more we familiarize them with assuming control of the North [Persian] Gulf, the less they have to rely on coalition forces,” said Jensen.

During his visit, Jensen and his staff toured the ship’s work spaces, wardroom, and fitness center.

“I’m very glad and honored to be aboard the mighty Boxer,” said Jensen. “The ship and her crew are very crisp and sharp. It’s truly a magnificent ship.”

CTF 158 is a coalition force responsible for the security and stability of Iraqi territorial waters. CTF 158 includes ships from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and British and Australian Royal navies.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander U.S. 5th Fleet's area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.