Boxer Teamwork Ensures Ammo Onload Safe and Successful
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080404-13
Release Date: 4/4/2008 2:51:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Jarvis, USS Boxer Public Affairs
ABOARD USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) Sailors conducted an ammunition onload March 31 – April 1 to prepare the ship for future operations.
Sailors transported, organized and stowed 366 pallets of munitions to be used for various operations. SH-60 Seahawk helicopters spent two days flying ammunition from nearby Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station, Calif. onto Boxer.
"We sort the ammo on the flight deck to go to five different cargo holds that we have onboard, and then we stow it below decks," said Boxer's Aviation Gunner, Lt.j.g. Jim McCammon.
Sailors worked long hours to complete the evolution just off the coast of California.
"Everyone gave a full effort and worked 13 or 14 hour days to complete the evolution ahead of schedule," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) 2nd Class (AW/SW) Dequon Smith. "We took on about four hundred pallets in two days, which was pretty good."
The successful and quick onload was the result of several divisions working together as a cohesive unit.
"Aviation boatswain's mates, aviation ordnancemen, and combat cargo Sailors and Marines can't do it alone," added McCammon. "It was a combined effort of all these divisions working together to complete the task at hand that made it happen."
The potential for hazardous situations in handling ordnance was also a concern for the ship's crew.
"Keeping things smooth with safety in mind and controlling the operations on the flight deck is how everyone got done so fast and safe," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (AW) Brian West. "Everyone played their part."
Boxer is currently underway preparing for future deployments in the Pacific Ocean.
For more news from USS Boxer, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.
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