Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), visited Singapore for their second port visit since entering the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, Oct. 2.
The two ships are currently deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group.
The crew of 2,573 Sailors and Marines will visit the island city-state, located in Southeast Asia, to replenish supplies and experience the local area before continuing on their deployment.
The port call comes after the successful completion of bilateral Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2014 in which the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) along with Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) trained with the Philippine Marine Corps.
“Across the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, our key purpose is total readiness to conduct the full range of military options for which the team was assembled, trained, and certified to conduct,” said Capt. Malcolm Potts, Commodore of Amphibious Squadron One (PHIBRON 1).
“All of our efforts are grounded in this fundamental responsibility. To keep our skills sharp throughout deployment, periodic sustainment training exercises are essential. We just wrapped up a phenomenal training period alongside our Republic of the Philippines’ counterparts during Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX),” he said.
Sailors and Marines plan on experiencing Singapore through various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) tours. Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Marilyn Honeycutt said she’s taking cultural and night safari tours.
“I want to see the sites and make it more of a cultural experience,” added Honeycutt. “I’m really excited to visit. From what I’ve heard and seen in pictures it should be a lot of fun.”
Potts said he looks forward to the crew getting some time off to relax and enjoy Singapore.
“With the forces re-embarked on the ships, it is now time to take a well deserved break, recharge, and step foot ashore as ambassadors of the United States,” he said.
[mappress] Press Release, October 03, 2013; Image: Navy