PACIFIC OCEAN – USS Boxer (LHD 4)
Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) and the 13th Marine
Expeditionary Unit (MEU) entered the 7th Fleet area of
responsibility (AOR) Jan. 27, to support maritime security.
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While operating in 7th Fleet, BOXESG/13TH MEU will conduct exercises
and operations to support 7th Fleet’s mission maintaining peace and
stability and to encourage regional cooperation.
BOXESG/13TH MEU team is a rapid response strike group available for
maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster
response, non-combatant evacuation operations, security, stability,
transition and reconstruction operations, Embassy reinforcement,
tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, strike capabilities,
amphibious raid capabilities, mass casualty response, and airfield
and port seizure capabilities.
The strike group proved their many capabilities prior to deployment
by successfully completing their Expeditionary Strike Group
Integration (ESGINT), Composite Training Unit (COMPTUEX) and
Certification Exercises (CERTEX).
“The strike group and the MEU have come together as a team and are
trained and ready for missions from the combatant commanders,” said
Navy Capt. Pete Brennan, BOXESG’s commander and commodore of
Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5. “The Sailors and Marines have put
in countless hours to build a proficient and effective team that is
ready for any mission, any time,” said 13th MEU Commanding Officer,
Col. David W. Coffman.
BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS
New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC
719), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC)
21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1,
Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.
The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is comprised of Marine Medium
Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13
and Battalion Landing Team 1/1. |