From U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
USS Boxer (LHD 4), center, transits in formation with USS New Orleans (LPD 18), right, and aUSS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) earlier this week. (U.S. Navy/MC3 Craig Z. Rodarte) >>
SAN DIEGO - The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group is scheduled to return to Naval Base San Diego from a seven-month deployment, Sept. 12.
BOXARG is made up of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). During deployment, they operated with embarked forces of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Wild Cards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, Detachment 1, as well as detachments from Assault Craft Unit 1 and Assault Craft Unit 5.
While deployed, the BOXARG/13th MEU team served in U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, providing maritime security operations, crisis response capability, theater security cooperation and forward naval presence. Additionally, BOXARG and 13th MEU took part in numerous exercises, including exercise Ssang Yong, a biennial amphibious exercise hosted by the Republic of Korea to strengthen interoperability and working relationships with partner nations.
"The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit team excelled throughout this 213-day deployment while operating in three Navy fleets spanning two-thirds of the globe," said Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1 Capt. Patrick V. Foege. "The ARG/MEU conducted 19 exercises and seven operations with coalition and partner nations across the Indo-Asia Pacific, Southwest Asia, and the Horn of Africa. From promoting regional stability and free use of the seas in 7th Fleet to striking ISIL targets while in 5th Fleet, the ARG/MEU accomplished all mission objectives while strengthening our relationships with 15 different countries from South Korea to Jordan."
Throughout the deployment, BOXARG ships traveled a combined distance of more than 120,000 miles and the embarked aircraft safely executed 7,000 flight hours. Additionally, the ships conducted 13 different port visits that provided Sailors and Marines with an opportunity to meet new friends, broaden cultural knowledge, and strengthen interoperability with partner nation forces.