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Boxer Conducts Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080915-03
Release Date: 9/15/2008 10:37:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael E. Miller Jr. USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER, San Diego (NNS) -- A change of command ceremony was held aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) in San Diego Sept. 13.

Capt. Mark E. Cedrun relieved Capt. Matthew J. McCloskey as Boxer's commanding officer.

"You have proven time and time again you have what it takes to get the job done right and under challenging conditions," said McCloskey to the crew during the ceremony. "You are all great professionals who have always performed at the top of your game."

During McCloskey's tenure, the ship completed a twice-extended nine-month Western Pacific deployment where Boxer transported the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Persian Gulf. Boxer's role in maritime security operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the North Arabian Gulf and protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure, which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.

In June, Boxer completed a two-month humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) mission in Central and South America as part of the Pacific Phase of Continuing Promise 2008. The HCA mission provided partner nations in the U.S. Southern Command area of focus a mobile, flexible and rapidly responsive medical and engineering capability for a number of missions and training opportunities in Central and South America.

Additionally, under McCloskey's leadership, Boxer earned a Battle Effectiveness (Battle "E") award for 2007. The award recognized Boxer for demonstrating the highest state of readiness and ability to execute wartime tasks including weapons employment, tactics and handling and the ability to fulfill mission objectives.

"You all set the standard for the fleet to follow," added McCloskey. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to see you grow and achieve excellence throughout my tour."

Cedrun, a native of San Francisco, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1984. He comes to Boxer after serving as the military assistant for Naval Warfare Programs at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.

"I look forward to commanding a ship that already has such a strong reputation as a leader on the waterfront," said Cedrun. "The name Boxer is synonymous with success across the fleet and I look forward to continuing the great legacy Captain McCloskey has left here."

Cedrun's tours of duty include USS Ranger (CV 61), USS Saginaw (LST 1188), USS Butte (AE 27), USS Saipan (LHA 2), USS Cleveland (LPD 7), Amphibious Squadron 7, as the executive officer of Boxer and as the commanding officer of USS Anchorage (LSD 36).

Boxer is scheduled to begin pre-deployment training exercises to prepare the ship for a Western Pacific deployment early next year.

For more news from USS Boxer, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.