Boxer ARG deploys to Pacific, Middle East

US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) deployed to the Pacific and the Middle East together with ships from the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS John P Murtha (LPD 26) and Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Boxer departed Naval Base San Diego on May 1 with embarked Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

While deployed, the Boxer ARG/11th MEU team will conduct maritime security operations, crisis response operations, theater security cooperation and forward naval presence operations.

“It has been incredible to see the interoperability of the Boxer ARG/11th MEU as they have come together to form a cohesive team, operating from all ships within the ARG,” said Capt. Brad Arthur, commander of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5.

Boxer ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS John P Murtha (LPD 26), and Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Embarked commands include “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 5, and Tactical Air Control Squadron 11.

The Boxer ARG deployed without the F-35B short takeoff and landing jets as the 11th MEU is not equipped with the 5th generation aircraft.