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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 368 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 397 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 9:21 pm    Post subject: USS Boxer (LHD 4) · Quote Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) - PHIBRON 5 - ow-commandpost http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12934#12934 Commander, Amphibious Squadron Five Amphibious Task Force - (CTF) 76 COMPHIBRON FIVE (COMPHIBRON) 5 COMPHIBRON 5 PHIBRON FIVE Amphibious Squadron FIVE (CPR 5) Amphibious Squadron 5 (CPR 5) http://www.cpr5.navy.mil/default.aspx http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron5.htm Amphibious Squadron Five is subordinate to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 or COMEXSTRKGRU THREE. http://www.esg3.navy.mil Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 [BOXESG] USS Boxer (LHD 4) "Golden Gator" http://www.boxer.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS Boxer (LHD 4) http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd4 USS Boxer (LHD 4) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=192 USS Boxer (LHD 4) History http://www.navysite.de/ships/lhd4.htm USS Boxer (LHD 4) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/08/0804.htm Boxer Amphibious Ready Group [BOXARG] http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-4.htm   Naval Station San Diego, CA. USS Boxer (LHD 4) Deployment History http://www.uscarriers.net/lhd4.htm History of the USS Boxer http://www.boxer.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx The first Boxer in American history was actually Her Majesty's British Ship" (HMBS) Boxer, a Brig of 14 guns with a keel measuring 98 feet in length and just over 28 feet in breadth. The HMBS Boxer, commanded by Captain Blyth, was sailing off the coast of Portland, Maine on September 5, 1813, when she was met by the USS Enterprise, commanded by Lieutenant William Burrows. The fight that ensued was heroic for both ships, and in the end Boxer's crew surrendered her to U.S. forces. In January 1815, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry endeavored to build a squadron of four ships to aid fighting in the Mediterranean resulting from the War of 1812. The first, the newly refurbished HMBS Boxer - renamed the USS Boxer - would be one of these ships. The USS Boxer was launched on May 17, 1815, with a new array of fourteen 32-pound cannons and two long 9-pound cannons. She was first Commanded by Lieutenant John Porter who sailed her to the Mediterranean to join Commodore Perry's squadron. The second Boxer was the first USS Boxer built from the keel up. Constructed as a schooner, the second Boxer - sister ship to the fourth Enterprise - was launched on November 22, 1831, at the Boston Navy Yard. The ship was 88 feet long, 23 feet wide, had a battery of 10 guns and cost the U.S. Navy $30,697 to build. The USS Boxer served the U.S. Navy for 17 years, sailing the seas of the world until decommissioning in 1848. The third Boxer, an English-built iron "side-wheeled" steamer, was originally known as the Tristam Shanty, that measured 222 feet in length and 23 feet in width. The Tristam Shanty was used by the Confederate military to run blockades the United States had established during the Civil War. However, she was captured by USS Kansas on May 15, 1864 then purchased by the U.S. Navy from the Boston Prize Court and commissioned into service as the "USS Boxer" The fourth Boxer was a training brigantine launched 11 October 1904 by Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, sponsored by Miss Helen Drury and commissioned 11 May 1905 with Lt. Hilary H. Royall in command. Until 20 October 1912 she served as training vessel at the Naval Training Station, Newport, Rhode Island. She then shifted to the United States Naval Academy where she remained until 25 June 1914 when she returned to Newport. Boxer continued in service at Newport until transferred to the Department of the Interior 14 May 1920. USS Boxer CV-21, a Ticonderoga/Essex Class Light Aircraft Carrier (CV), was the fifth American warship to carry the name Boxer. The name originally belonged to the British wooden brigantine HMS Boxer, captured off the coast of Maine by the USS Enterprise in 1814. HMS Boxer, later renamed the USS Boxer, was taken into United States Navy service in 1815 making Boxer an official part of American Naval history. The fifth USS Boxer, CV-21 was first laid down by Newport News Shipyards September 13, 1943, was launched on December 14, 1944 by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. The ship was commissioned on April 16, 1945, and Captain D. F. Smith became the first officer to command her. Completed too late to take part in World War II, Boxer joined the Pacific Fleet at San Diego in August 1945. http://www.boxer.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx The sixth ship to carry the name BOXER would be the fourth ship of the new Wasp Class Multi-purpose Assault Ship (LHD). Fabrication work for LHD4 began at Litton-Ingalls in Pascagoula, Mississippi on July 9, 1990. The ship's keel was authenticated on April 08, 1991 and the ship was launched on August 13, 1993. The ship was official christened the USS Boxer (LHD 4) on August 28, 1993. After post-launch outfitting and testing, Ingalls delivered the ship to the U.S. Navy on November 21, 1994. On February 11, 1995, the USS Boxer (LHD-4) was officially commissioned into the United States Navy as its fourth Multipurpose Amphibious Assault Ship, almost four years after construction on her began. http://www.boxer.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx Three amphibious ships, led by the BOXER Amphibious Ready Group with Amphibious Squadron SEVEN and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) embarked and more than 2,000 Marines from Camp Pendleton departed 23 March 1997 for the Mideast and Western Pacific for a six-month deployment.; participating in Exercises INFINITE MOONLIGHT, INFINITE SHADOW, RED REEF and IRON MAGIC while visiting Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Aqaba, Jordan; Misawa, Eritrea; Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali Indonesia; Darwin, Australia; and Pearl Harbor from  23 March 1997 to September 1997. Of note, Amphibious Squadron SEVEN was the "plankowner" squadron staff for USS BOXER (LHD 4). The ships and Marines replaced the Essex amphibious ready group. The deployment was the first for the Boxer, which was commissioned in 1995. Also aboard will be a reinforced Marine squadron comprised of Super Stallion, Sea Knight and Huey helicopters, Cobra gunships and Harrier jump jets. 15th MEU (SOC) was the first MEU (Plankowner) to deploy with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) from March 24 to September 24, 1997. The BOXER Amphibious Ready Group during 15th MEU (SOC) deployment consisted of USS BOXER (LHD 4), USS OGDEN (LPD 5), and USS FORT FISHER (LSD 40). The MEU participated in Exercises INFINITE MOONLIGHT, INFINITE SHADOW, RED REEF and IRON MAGIC while visiting Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Aqaba, Jordan; Misawa, Eritrea; Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali, Indonesia; Darwin, Australia; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. USS Boxer (LHD 4) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (MEU SOC) returned home 23 September 1997 after a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Red Sea, Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean. The Boxer ARG consisted of Boxer, USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40), and USS Ogden (LPD 5) with embarked Marines and naval support elements. Sailors and Marines traveled more than 30,000 miles with visits to Pearl Harbor; Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand (Boxer); Penang, Malaysia (Fort Fisher/Ogden); Aqaba, Jordan; Massawa, Eritrea; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Bali, Indonesia (Boxer); Surabaya, Indonesia (Fort Fisher/Ogden); Darwin, Australia (Boxer); and Cairns, Australia (Fort Fisher/Ogden). During their deployment to 5th Fleet, Marines and Sailors conducted three bilateral training exercises with regional allies. In addition, pilots flying AV-8B Harriers from Boxer flew sorties patrolling the no fly zone over southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch. BOXER ARG with Amphibious Squadron SEVEN and the 13th MEU (SOC) embarked participated in Exercises EDGED MALLET, NEON FALCON and EAGER MACE from December 1998 to June 1999.  The Squadron made port calls in Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali, Indonesia; Townsville, Australia and Pearl Harbor.   13th MEU (SOC) was the second MEU to deploy with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) from December 05, 1998 to June 05, 1999. The BOXER Amphibious Ready Group during 13th MEU (SOC) deployment consisted of USS BOXER (LHD 4), USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7), and USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49). The MEU participated in contingency operations in and around the Horn of Africa and Kenya, Exercises EDGED MALLET, RED REEF, and IRON MAGIC while visiting Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Mombassa, Kenya; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali, Indonesia; Townsville, Australia; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Amphibious Squadron 7 included the Boxer amphibious ready group consisting of USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Cleveland (LPD 7), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and embarked naval support elements. Amphibious Squadron SEVEN employs Amphibious Ready Group ships and embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit forces to execute all assigned operational tasks in support of the nation’s littoral warfare strategy. Commander Amphibious Squadron 7 was responsible for preparing the Boxer (LHD 4) amphibious ready group for an early 2001 deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (special operations capable). 11th MEU(SOC) will be the third MEU to embark USS Boxer and began workups with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in early June 2000. The Boxer amphibious ready group returned from successful amphibious orientation training and Rim of the Pacific 2000 exercises with 1st Marine division, stationed in Camp Pendleton, and 3rd Marine Division, stationed in Kaneohe bay, Hawaii, respectively. Together with the 3rd Marines, the Boxer amphibious ready group conducted a humanitarian assistance disaster relief exercise, several training events to include helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids, an amphibious rehearsal and an amphibious assault. In addition to providing command and control direction during the Navy’s salvage operations of Alaskan Air Flight 261, the Squadron Seven embarked Boxer where Boxer amphibious ready group participated in the Rim of the Pacific 2000 Exercise, involving ships, submarines and aircraft from seven different countries. This multinational exercise included Maritime Interdiction Operations, Sea Control, Strike Warfare, Humanitarian Assistance Operations and culminated in an amphibious landing in direct support of Coalition forces ashore. Rim of the Pacific 2000 exercises included 1st Marine division, stationed in Camp Pendleton, and 3rd Marine Division, stationed in Kaneohe bay, Hawaii, respectively. Together with the 3rd Marines, the Boxer amphibious ready group conducted a humanitarian assistance disaster relief exercise, several training events to include helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids, an amphibious rehearsal and an amphibious assault. BOXER ARG with Amphibious Squadron SEVEN and the 11th MEU (SOC) embarked provided Humanitarian Assistance Operations in East Timor and participated in Exercises EAGER MACE and RED REEF from March to September 2001.  The Squadron made port calls in Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Jebel Ali, Guam and Pearl Harbor.  On the transit from Guam to Pearl Harbor, the Squadron rescued 8 Chinese fishermen. On August of 2006, ESG 5 was comprised of Boxer (LHD 4), Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Benfold (DDG 65), and USS Howard (DDG 83). ESG 5 also includes PHIBRON 5, the 15th MEU, Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WHEC 726) and Canadian Frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341). Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 successfully completed its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California, 21 August 2006. JTFEX is ESG 5’s last of three evaluations over the summer, readying the strike group for its deployment scheduled later this year. The exercise is designed to use real-world scenarios to prepare the strike group for situations that could occur during deployment. During JTFEX, ESG 5 was evaluated on its ability to carry out forward command element operations, humanitarian aid, non-combatant evacuation operations, direct action raids, and visit, board, search and seizure exercises. The strike group’s warfare command is comprised of PHIBRON 5 as Mine Warfare Commander, Maritime Interdiction Commander, Maritime Strike Operations Commander and Amphibious Warfare Commander. The warfare command also includes Howard as Air Defense Commander, Boxer as Information Warfare Commander, Bunker Hill as Sea Combat Commander and the Commanding Officer of the 15th MEU. USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) assumed the role as Sea Combat Commander Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 when she left on her Western Pacific deployment Sept. 13. The role of Sea Combat Commander is traditionally filled by destroyer squadron commanders when they deploy with a carrier strike group. Cruisers usually provide air defense for an ESG. Because of the broad range of operational requirements of an ESG, a ship’s role can be modified to fit the needs of the strike group. Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 is the first ESG to try a new method of command during its deployment to the Western Pacific. ESG 5 Commander, Rear Adm. Mark W. Balmert, departed the strike group in Hawaii and transferred command to Capt. David Angood, commodore of Amphibious Squadron Five (PHIBRON) 5. Angood will then assume command responsibilities as Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) for USS Boxer (LHD 4) ESG. Angood will work together with six commanding officers of ships in the ESG who also fill the role of warfare commanders for the strike group. Warfare commanders are responsible for the operational needs of the ESG, such as communications, sea combat and air defense. This is the first time since the Navy and Marine Corps have stood up an ESG that a command-led flag element that has been here throughout the work-ups will leave the strike group. The successful realignment of the strike group’s leadership will rely on the teamwork between the warfare commanders, and their support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Tactical authority will be given to the warfare commanders to give them the ability to make decisions without having to wait for approval from the ESG commander, which will allow for quick response and flexibility. Capt. Bruce W. Nichols, commanding officer of Boxer, is the information warfare commander for ESG 5. He is responsible for managing the electromagnetic spectrum, computer network defense, and to protect the strike group from electronic attack. Warfare commanders conduct specific missions and have control of assets to perform these missions. It’s a principle part of naval warfare known as control by negation. Trust and communication between the warfare commanders are vital to the overall success of the mission. Open lines of communication will help to ensure that each commander is aware of the overall status of the ESG, as well as enabling Angood to have the information he will need to lead the strike group. Capt. Charles M. Gaouette, USS Bunker Hill’s (CG 52) commanding officer and sea combat commander, is responsible for defending the strike group from subsurface, surface and air threats using its multiple missile launching systems. Teamwork between the warfare commanders will give the various commands more flexibility than past strike groups. Even with the new command structure, Sailors and Marines must still meet age-old challenges of being out to sea during deployment. The strike group, which deployed on 13 September 2006, conducted operations in support of the global war on terrorism while transiting to the Persian Gulf. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-4-westpac06.htm Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group, Indian Navy Begin Exercise Malabar 2006 Story Number: NNS061027-10 Release Date: 10/27/2006 3:18:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael E. Miller Jr., USS Boxer Public Affairs USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) and the Indian navy’s Western Fleet began Exercise Malabar 2006 Oct. 25 off the southwest coast of India. The purpose of the multinational exercise, which focuses on a number of naval mission areas, is to strengthen ties between American, Canadian and Indian forces, as well as enhance the cooperative security relationship between the nations involved. More than 6,500 U.S. Navy personnel will take part in Exercise Malabar, which runs through Nov. 5. “The United States and India share democratic traditions, and we share seafaring traditions,” said Capt. David Angood, commander of BOXESG and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5. “We are natural partners and friends, and look forward to continuing to strengthen the bonds and personal relationships between our two navies and advancing into more complex operational and strategic areas that go beyond tactical exercises.” The Indian Western Fleet commander, noting that each Malabar exercise increases bonds and readiness between the forces, echoed these thoughts. “During each Malabar exercise, we try to take it up a notch from the previous,” said the flag officer commanding the Indian Western Fleet, Rear Adm. Anup Singh. He added that safety is the top priority and open lines of communication are vital. During the exercise, the three nations’ ships will work together in a variety of functional skill areas, including force protection drills; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS); formation steaming, coordinated surface fire support, amphibious landing, live-fire events for attached aircraft, torpedo firing events and anti-submarine warfare training. Thirteen naval assets will be involved in the exercise from the three nations, as well as Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC). This is the first time that a U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) will participate and lead the exercise; the exercise, in general, will focus on expeditionary warfare. Several different personnel exchanges will occur throughout the exercise. Thirty-one Indian navy sailors will train aboard Boxer with the 2/4 Weapons Company of the 15th MEU (SOC) on weapons tactics, physical training and vehicle integration. Malabar 2006 also incorporates the Canadian navy for the first time with the frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341), and U.S. Coast Guard with the USCGC Midgett (WHEC 726), which are both part of BOXESG. Boxer is the flagship for the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), operating out of San Diego, which is reporting operationally to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/ Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious task force. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26296 Boxer ESG Visits Singapore - 10/23/2006 http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26205 Boxer ESG Transits Strait of Malacca - 10/23/2006 http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26201 Boxer Families Unite Through VTC - 10/27/2006 http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26313 Malabar 2006 Integrates American, Indian EOD - 10/31/2006 http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26359 Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group Completes Visit to Mumbai, Malabar -11/6/2006 http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26463 Indian Soldiers Train with U.S. Marines, Sailors - 11/6/2006 http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26464 Continuing Promise Completes Work in Peru, Boxer Heading Home Story Number: NNS080618-15 Release Date: 6/18/2008 4:41:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Jarvis, USS Boxer Public Affairs BARRANCA, Peru (NNS) -- Peruvian officials bid farewell to USS Boxer (LHD 4), June 15, during a closing ceremony in the town of Barranca, marking the end of the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008. CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions. During the six-day operation in Peru, Boxer's embarked military units worked side-by-side with partner-nation military and civilian professionals to provide medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care along with renovation work at two schools. "CP has highlighted the importance and value of providing assistance and training to our friends and neighbors in Latin America," said Mission Commander for CP, Capt. Peter K. Dallman. "It also reflects and reinforces the strong friendship our two countries share." Medical specialists from Boxer, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5 and the U.S. Public Health Service worked together with Peruvian medical professionals to conduct more than 4,000 dental exams and procedures, nearly 1,000 optometry exams in addition to giving out 900 pairs of eye glasses. The team also provided nearly 3,000 patients primary medical care and dispensed more than 11,000 medications at several sites in the area. While anchored off the coast, FST 5 performed 22 surgeries on Peruvian citizens aboard Boxer. "Overall there have been over 18,000 patient encounters here in Peru, and I can assure you that these numbers would not have been possible without strong support from you, our host nation counterparts, as you worked elbow-to-elbow with us," Dallman said while he addressed the Peruvian dignitaries. Seabees assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 and Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 teamed up to complete renovation projects at two schools. The work included major plumbing and electrical upgrades, roof replacement and replacing windows in addition to painting and landscaping. "Our time here in Peru has been a very busy and very rewarding experience," Dallman added. "The work that has taken place here has laid the foundation for future cooperation between the United States and Peru." Boxer's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests. Embarked units and organizations aboard Boxer for CP include Amphibious Squadron 5, FST 5, U.S. Public Health Service, Navy Seabee CBMU 303, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Special Marine Air Ground Task Force 24, Helicopter Sea Combat Support Squadron 23, Assault Craft Unit 1, Fleet Survey Team, Maritime Civil Affairs Team 205 and Beach Master Unit 1. https://navcms.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37929 Continuing Promise Seabees Camp On-Site to Get the Job Done Story Number: NNS080616-13 Release Date: 6/16/2008 3:50:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Jarvis, USS Boxer Public Affairs BARRANCA, Peru (NNS) -- Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, both embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), camped out overnight at Guillermo Enrique Billinghurst school in Barranca, during renovations June 10-13 as part of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008. CP is an equal-partnership mission enabling American and partner-nation civil engineers to share ideas to provide effective infrastructure solutions to an array of challenges in order to demonstrate the lasting bonds and shared interests among neighbors. The Seabees stayed at the site in order to maximize the amount of work they could accomplish on the project and thereby eliminating the need for a nearly 90-minute total transit between Boxer and the site. "We are staying here overnight because it is too far for us to be flown out every day and fly back every night," said project leader, Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) James Kocsis. "With daily travel, we would have only had time for four hours of work each day." The Seabees set up tents on the basketball court outside of the school. Despite the conditions, the Seabees famous "Can Do" attitude kept their focus on the mission at hand -- improving the quality of life for the students of the Barranca school. "I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to repair something that affects so many," said Builder 3rd Class Jeffrey Agee. "I think the students are going to be really excited when they come back to school." The Seabees' work included replacing the roofs of 20 classrooms, installing new lighting, repairing electrical outlets, replacing broken windows and repairing plumbing. With the foresight and initiative the Seabees employed by camping on-site, they were able to maximize production time and keep the project ahead of schedule. "It's very nice not having to worry about how you are getting to the job site," added Agee. "You just wake up and go to work." Boxer's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37862 Continuing Promise Completes Medical Operations in Peru Story Number: NNS080618-22 Release Date: 6/18/2008 5:14:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson, USS Boxer Public Affairs BARRANCA, Peru (NNS) -- Sailors embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), completed the last day of medical operations at Guillermo Enrique Billinghurst school in Barranca, June 15 in support of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008. CP is a collaborative effort between U.S. military services and Peruvian support organizations designed to forge strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation that requires cooperative solutions. During one week of operations at the school in Peru, they cared for more than 800 medical patients, 125 dental patients, 200 optometry patients and distributed more than 2,500 medical prescriptions each day. "I think our medical operations were a success," said Lt. Cmdr. Sugat Patel, officer in charge of the site. "The biggest thing was being here caring for people who needed medical care and representing the U.S. in a great way." In all, more than 100 U.S. medical professionals joined Boxer from around the world to team with Peruvian health care providers. Each day of operations began with lines of hundreds of people waiting to receive medical care, creating a challenge Continuing Promise's medical professionals met with open arms. "Our biggest challenge was the inability to provide every service to every patient because the need for treatment was so high," said Patel. "But we met the challenge by providing the best care to as many patients as we could." The ultimate goal for CP health care providers is for the partnership between the U.S. and Peru to last long after CP operations are complete. "Being here is an intangible success, because the people are excited by our presence and appreciative of our services," added Patel. "We're humbled to have the privilege to care for people who generally don't have this kind of access." With CP operations complete, service members now leave Latin America with strengthened partnerships, experiences and perspectives about cooperative partnerships through humanitarian operations. "It's very rewarding to see the impact we've made on people's lives and to see the gratitude on their faces," said U.S. Coast Guard Health Services Technician 3rd Jason Labenne. "They recognize how our service to them serves us all." Boxer's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests. Embarked units and organizations aboard Boxer for CP include Amphibious Squadron 5, Fleet Surgical Team 5, U.S. Public Health Service, Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Special Marine Air Ground Task Force 24, Helicopter Sea Combat Support Squadron 23, Assault Craft Unit 1, Fleet Survey Team, Maritime Civil Affairs Team 205 and Beach Master Unit 1. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37928 Continuing Promise Completes Work in Peru, Boxer Heading Home Story Number: NNS080618-15 Release Date: 6/18/2008 4:41:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Jarvis, USS Boxer Public Affairs BARRANCA, Peru (NNS) -- Peruvian officials bid farewell to USS Boxer (LHD 4), June 15, during a closing ceremony in the town of Barranca, marking the end of the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008. CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions. During the six-day operation in Peru, Boxer's embarked military units worked side-by-side with partner-nation military and civilian professionals to provide medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care along with renovation work at two schools. "CP has highlighted the importance and value of providing assistance and training to our friends and neighbors in Latin America," said Mission Commander for CP, Capt. Peter K. Dallman. "It also reflects and reinforces the strong friendship our two countries share." Medical specialists from Boxer, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5 and the U.S. Public Health Service worked together with Peruvian medical professionals to conduct more than 4,000 dental exams and procedures, nearly 1,000 optometry exams in addition to giving out 900 pairs of eye glasses. The team also provided nearly 3,000 patients primary medical care and dispensed more than 11,000 medications at several sites in the area. While anchored off the coast, FST 5 performed 22 surgeries on Peruvian citizens aboard Boxer. "Overall there have been over 18,000 patient encounters here in Peru, and I can assure you that these numbers would not have been possible without strong support from you, our host nation counterparts, as you worked elbow-to-elbow with us," Dallman said while he addressed the Peruvian dignitaries. Seabees assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 and Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 teamed up to complete renovation projects at two schools. The work included major plumbing and electrical upgrades, roof replacement and replacing windows in addition to painting and landscaping. "Our time here in Peru has been a very busy and very rewarding experience," Dallman added. "The work that has taken place here has laid the foundation for future cooperation between the United States and Peru." Boxer's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests. Embarked units and organizations aboard Boxer for CP include Amphibious Squadron 5, FST 5, U.S. Public Health Service, Navy Seabee CBMU 303, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Special Marine Air Ground Task Force 24, Helicopter Sea Combat Support Squadron 23, Assault Craft Unit 1, Fleet Survey Team, Maritime Civil Affairs Team 205 and Beach Master Unit 1. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37929 Continuing Promise Brings Peruvian Minister of Defense to Boxer Story Number: NNS080619-10 Release Date: 6/19/2008 3:44:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Jarvis, USS Boxer Public Affairs USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) hosted Peru's Minister of Defense, Antero Flores Araoz; the United States Ambassador to Peru, P. Michael McKinley; and distinguished visitors, June 13, as part of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008. CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and military partners, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions. The group toured the ship's medical spaces to learn about Boxer's medical capabilities, while also meeting with Peruvian patients being treated aboard. The guests then attended a luncheon in the ship's wardroom, held in their honor. "The ship brought with it many health professionals who came for civic humanitarian work, but they don't do the work here alone," said Flores. "The work was accomplished by in collaboration with professionals from our own sectors of health. The collaboration allows us to give medical attention of the best quality." Following the luncheon, the group traveled to the town of Barranca where they toured the mission's medical and engineering operations ashore. At a press conference there, the Peruvian Minister of Defense praised the Continuing Promise mission coming to his country. "Some of you say that this was an invasion. Sure they invaded us, but they invaded us with medicines, with surgical equipment, with medical care, and with cooperation," Flores said. "I want to thank the United States for the great work they are doing." Boxer's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37951 Boxer Completes Pacific Phase of Continuing Promise 2008 Story Number: NNS080627-02 Release Date: 6/27/2008 6:51:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael E. Miller Jr., USS Boxer Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), along with various embarked units, returned to San Diego June 26, concluding nearly two months at sea in support of the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise 2008. Continuing Promise is a collaborative effort between the United States and military partners, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and partner-nation support organizations aimed at building strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions. The Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) part of the mission provided partner nations in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of focus a mobile, flexible and rapidly responsive medical and engineering capability. The HCA team conducted a number of missions and took advantage of several training opportunities in Central and South America. "I couldn't be happier with the success of this mission," said Capt. Peter K. Dallman, the mission commander for the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise 2008. "Everyone did great across the board, and we far surpassed anyone's expectations of the overall success of this mission." During the deployment, Boxer operated in Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru. The Continuing Promise medical contingent cared for 24,000 patients. Some of the team's work included medical or veterinarian care and education. The assistance included dispensing nearly 40,000 prescriptions, treating more than 2,800 animals and teaching more than 120 classes in preventative medicine and industrial hygiene. While anchored off the coasts of the three countries, almost 130 patients were flown to Boxer for shipboard surgeries. Surgeries included cyst and gallbladder removal, hernia repair and eye surgery. "Providing access to medical information and treatment supports common medical needs in the region," said Continuing Promise Medical Contingent Commander, Capt. Louis Orosz. "The team of medical professionals this mission has brought together is top-notch. "Their work here will last generations and will leave a lasting impression of the great things the United States can do." Wasp-class amphibious assault ships like Boxer are designed with a variety of expeditionary mission capabilities, including rapid, projected humanitarian assistance worldwide. They also have the physical capacity to transport large amounts of medical and engineering supplies and equipment to most locations around the globe. The same flexibility and configuration that makes Boxer an effective warship, also makes it an "extraordinarily" effective ship for performing humanitarian assistance missions. This multipurpose flexibility allowed Boxer to uniquely meet the engineering needs of the three partner-nations where U.S. teams provided structure renovations, constructions and repairs. Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 and Navy Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, embarked aboard Boxer, renovated eight schools and a church. In addition they conducted road and drainage repair. Renovation work included roofing, installing new windows and new ceiling fans. The Seabees also repaired the sewage systems and provided running water to most of the facilities. "In the Seabee community, we always say we 'Can Do'," said Lt. Micah Kiletico, the officer in charge of the CBMU 303 detachment aboard Boxer. "But the group of Seabees I've worked with on Continuing Promise 2008 have gone above and beyond, giving 200 percent effort. "They went the extra mile to ensure they made a big difference in the lives of the citizens of Central and South America." The Pacific Phase of Continuing Promise is one of two HCA deployments planned for the USSOUTHCOM area of focus for 2008. The second Continuing Promise deployment will be conducted by USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in the Caribbean. The deployment to the region is part of the Partnership of the Americas initiative. The training, clinical and engineering capability this mission brought to the region demonstrates U.S. commitment to fostering cooperative partnerships. "It really has been an honor to visit the Navy ship that has been making a positive impact that we can see already in our country," said El Salvador President, Elias Antonio Saca during a press conference in El Salvador. "We appreciate all the humanitarian support the United States, the Navy, the captain and the entire crew of this important ship has brought. "We profoundly appreciate your support for our inhabitants." For many service members embarked aboard Boxer for Continuing Promise, the deployment marked their first humanitarian mission. Continuing Promise offered them a unique opportunity to see the impact their skill sets can have in a humanitarian civic assistance role. "I hope the people we worked with know there are people back in the United States who really care for them," said Utilitiesman 1st Class (SCW) James Kocsis. "Supporting this mission has been the greatest honor I've had in my entire Navy career." http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38083 _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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