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ACU 1 Personnel Return from Boxer ARG Deployment

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS140425-02
Release Date: 4/25/2014 2:17:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Bell, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif (NNS) -- A group of Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit One (ACU 1) returned to their families on board Naval Base Coronado April 24 following an eight-month deployment as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

During the deployment, ACU 1 played a critical role with their Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) amphibious platforms that were capable of moving troops, assault vehicles and their supplies across open water to the shore.

'We have six of our Sailors returning today who have done a phenomenal job,' said Chief Warrant Officer 4 John F. King, the operations officer at ACU 1. 'I routinely received reports back about the outstanding work that was being conducted by our team.'

The group of Sailors was met on the pier with 'welcome home' signs and lots of hugs by friends and family members.

'That's what we do, my fiancee understands and respects my job in the military,' said Electrican's Mate 1st Class Cory Allen, the RHIB officer, as he embraced his fiancee and immediately mustered his crew. 'We still have weapons to turn over, prepare the RHIB for turnover and the job is not over until its 100 percent complete.'

'But you know, it's just like in 'The Wizard of Oz' movie,' said Allen as he stopped, glanced back up at his fiancee and smiled. 'There's no place like home.'

While deployed, ACU 1 personnel supported the Boxer ARG by maintaining a crisis response capability for the embarked Marine units and also contributed to maritime security and presence operations in the U.S. 5th, 6th, and 7th fleet areas of responsibility.

The Boxer ARG consisted of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49. All three ships are expected to return to San Diego, April 25.