USS Boxer changes command in San Diego

U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) held a change of command ceremony on its flight deck on December.

Capt. Benjamin J. Allbritton relieved Capt. Michael S. Ruth as commanding officer of the ship.

In attendance was guest speaker, commander, expeditionary strike group (ESG) 3, Rear Adm. Daniel H. Fillion.

“Throughout his tenure as commanding officer, Captain Ruth continuously demonstrated the highest standards of mentorship and leadership to USS Boxer,” said Fillion. “Bringing the ship through an arduous work-up cycle and into a rigorous seven-month deployment, his dedication to the crew and mission never wavered.”

Under Ruth’s leadership as commanding officer, he guided Boxer through several multinational exercises and operations including Dawn Blitz 2015 and Ssang Yong 2016, and the ships’ most recent deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation in support of operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security, and theater cooperation efforts.

Additionally during Ruth’s tenure, the ship received the 2015 retention excellence award, 2015 Green “H,” 2015 Chief of Naval Operation’s safety award, and the 2015 battle effectiveness award, or Battle “E.”

During the ceremony, Ruth read his orders and transferred command to Allbritton, who read his orders, assumed command, and addressed the audience as commanding officer of Boxer.

Allbritton assumed command after serving as executive officer of Boxer. Boxer is currently in its homeport of San Diego undergoing a phased maintenance availability.