Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), with embarked units from Amphibious Squadron 1 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 29 for their first port visit in the U.S. since leaving their San Diego homeport for a seven-month deployment.
“The Sailors and Marines aboard Boxer did an outstanding job carrying out each mission we conducted throughout 5th and 7th Fleet [areas of operation],” said Capt. Mike Ruth, Boxer’s commanding officer .
While deployed, Boxer supported Operation Inherent Resolve and conducted community relations projects during port visits to Hong Kong, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Singapore, Oman, and Malaysia.
The port visit also marks the first reunion of Boxer Sailors and Marines with family and friends as many journeyed to Hawaii to meet their service member.
Boxer, flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, with amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18), amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the embarked 13th MEU, is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.