• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Boxer Celebrates Halfway Point of Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061220-04
Release Date: 12/20/2006 10:19:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Valcarcel, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) Sailors celebrated completing the first half of their deployment Dec. 13 with a steel beach picnic on the ship’s flight deck.

The halfway party, traditionally called a “Humpday Party,” gave Boxer Sailors and Marines a chance to relax and take a break from their normal duties to re-focus on the mission ahead.

“It was a very relaxing, down-to-earth party,” said Storekeeper 3rd Class Marquina Hodge. “It was a good way to re-charge ourselves.”

Boxer’s chief petty officers sported their best Hawaiian shirts while they manned the grills. The chiefs said they didn’t mind cooking for the crew, because it offered them a chance to give back to their Sailors.

“We try to help however we can,” said Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Thomas L. DeGrand. “I think everyone had fun. We all need a little booster to get through the rest of deployment.”

Sailors and Marines spent the day on the flight deck enjoying a variety of barbequed foods, playing sports and listening to music. The party also featured the debut of “Slim to None,” a band made up of Boxer Sailors. The band performed a variety of live music for the crew throughout the afternoon.

“When I saw everyone having a good time and enjoying what we were doing, it made me feel pretty good,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handler 3rd Class (AW) Elizabeth King, the band’s lead singer. “I think live music is what made this party unique from others.”

Many said the picnic was a good way to reenergize the crew and bring everyone together to finish the deployment safely.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy each other’s company,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/ AW) Russ S. Paje, who coordinated the event. “I think it brought the crew closer together.”

Boxer is the flagship for Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group which is currently conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf in support of U.S. 5th Fleet. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the North Persian Gulf and protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure to help provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million spare 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 choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.