CORNER

Secretary of the Navy
CORNER
Visits BOXER
C
’S
Story by
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class
James F. Bartels
Hello BOXER! We currently
have our longest at-sea period
in between Liberty Ports. This
is a prime opportunity for you
to get out and really see what
work your spaces and
divisions need. Use this time
to rehab, paint, reorganize and
get your spaces back to
standard. Time spent working
your spaces now will ensure
more time at home with your
friends and family after our
homecoming. This is also a
great opportunity for you to
get your division and
department training programs
ramped up. If you haven't
already implemented a
program to get your necessary
at-sea qualifications up to
date, then you're behind the
power curve. Get with your
LPOs or Training Officers and
make sure your training and
qualifications are on par.
DIVOs, LCPOs and LPOs, I
want you to set the standard
by getting involved with your
Sailors and get your programs
online to ensure we have the
best-trained fighting force.
Good training ensures good
execution, and I know we will
continue to execute the
mission at the highest "Golden
Gator" standards! Continue
charging forward and leading
the way from the front!
ecretary of the Navy
(SECNAV),
the Honorable
Donald C. Winter,
visited USS Boxer
(LHD 4) Nov. 24 to meet
with Sailors and Marines
conducting maritime security
operations in U.S. 5th Fleet’s
area of responsibility (AOR).
The trip is the second time that
Winter has visited the 5th
Fleet AOR since assuming the
role of SECNAV Jan. 3,
2006.
S
While aboard Winter briefly met with Commander, Task Force 158, Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Carl B.
Jensen, Commander, Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), Capt. David Angood and Boxer’s
commanding officer, Capt. Bruce W. Nichols and then met with Boxer’s senior leadership to express his
gratitude to the Sailors and Marines of the forward deployed strike group. Afterwards, Winter toured the
ship to speak with “deckplate” Sailors. He conveyed to them the nation’s gratitude for their service away from
home during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“I am not here for speeches,” said Winter. “I am here to interact with our great Sailors and Marines.
This is my chance to thank them for all of their hard work.”
Winter answered questions covering many topics including 5th Fleet’s mission, the strike group’s
mission during the Doha Arabian games, officer training, the defense budget and the country’s support of U.S.
service members.
“I had the chance to visit Wall Street and see the trading floor,” said Winter to a group of Boxer
Sailors. “When the traders saw my staff that was with me in uniform, they stopped what they were doing,
applauded and came to shake their hands. The support these service members have is also evident from the
Defense Authorization Bill recently passed in Congress. This bill, which passed unanimously, had more
support than the resolution passed in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor to go to war.”
Among his many stops Winter visited the ship’s Helicopter Direction Center. While there he met
with Sailors to ask them about their Thanksgiving and give them the opportunity to express their concerns and
questions.
“It was a privilege and an honor to meet the SECNAV,” said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class
(AW/SW) Brent Watson, Milwaukee, Wis., “It is not often that you get to meet a man as important as he is.”
BOXESG is currently operating in the North Arabian Gulf in support of U.S. 5th Fleet. Commander,
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / Commander U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility encompasses about
7.5 million square miles and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.
This expanse, comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez
Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
Photo by MCSN Joshua Martin
Photo by
MCSN Derek R. Sanchez
15th MEU
Marines inside
the troop
compartment of
a Navy LCAC
BOXESG Sends 15th MEU Ashore
Story by Mass Communication 3rd Class James F. Bartels
USS Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) completed offloading the 15th
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) Nov. 17. The five-day
offload sent more than 2,000 Marines and their equipment ashore in support of U.S.
Central Command’s area of operation.
BOXESG used Landing Craft, Air Cushions (LCAC), Landing Craft Utility
(LCU) vehicles along with several types of helicopters to transport Marines from
Boxer, USS Comstock (LSD 45) and USS Dubuque (LPD 8).
“The cooperation between the Marine and Navy forces will set the standard
for ESG’s to come,” said Marine Capt. Thomas Lippert, combat cargo officer for
Amphibious Squadron 5. “We are out here to win the hearts and minds of our allies.
I am confident in the success of our Navy and Marine Corps team.”
The offload had been planned in advance. BOXESG trained for more than six
months to ensure its success.
“We strive to make the training as realistic as possible,” said Marine 1st Lieutenant
Quinn Nichols, executive officer for the 15th MEU’s (SOC) Artillery Battery Sierra,
Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines. “We do this so our Marines will
be prepared for any situations that arise while we are doing the real thing.”
While ashore the 15th MEU (SOC) Marines will test their vehicle and
equipment readiness. They will also conduct live fire, artillery, convoy protection and
urban warfare training before continuing with their mission.
“I cannot feel anything but pride in our Marine brothers and sisters as they go
out to do what they were trained to do,” said Lt. j.g. William McCammon, Boxer’s
Air Gunner. “We have a job to do.”
Boxer, Comstock and Dubuque are assigned to BOXESG which is currently
operating in the Arabian Gulf conducting maritime security operations in support of
U.S. 5th Fleet.
2
IN THE RING December
A Marine proudly carries his battle flag
Photo by MC3 Noel Danseco
USS
USS
BOXER
OS2 Sabrina Marie Peterson
BOXER
My life. My Ship.
DCC Ronald J. Beltowski
Portrait Photos by MCSA Joshua Valcarcel
My life. My Ship.
A Sand Sailor’s Tale
by IT1(SW/AW) Steven Schwalbe
NIKON 6484
i
NIKON 6484
In the fall of 2004, Boxer's IT1(SW/AW) Steven Schwalbe got the shock of his
Naval career when he was ordered to be an Individual Augmentee at Camp
Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. Throughout his tour, Schwalbe documented his
experiences. The following are his personal account as a "Sand Sailor”
A
s
a
n
d
My flight from Kuwait to Baghdad was on a congested, sticky
and uncomfortable C-130 cargo plane. Four hours of sitting
next to a sweaty and sleep-deprived Iraqi National who
continuously slumped on my shoulder. There were still six
hours to go, and yeah it was on Uncle Sam's nickel, but I
better get some peanuts.
I felt like "Animal Mother" from Full Metal Jacket.
4
IN THE RING December
S
A
I
L
O
R
We had been in country for a little while when we
finally made it to Al Faw Palace. It was one of
Saddam Hussein's vacation palaces turned
Command and Control Center by Coalition
Forces... we called it the "Water Palace". It was
surrounded by a man-made moat the size of a
river. I got to sit in a chair given to Saddam as a
gift from Persian Kings. It was a COMFORTABLE
chair...but they wouldn't let me take it home. This
place was HUGE. The central foyer of the palace
was about the size of Boxer's hangar bay.
Oh yeah, that's me sitting next to Rear
Admiral Nancy Brown from the Pentagon.
Me and the gang did whatever we could to keep our spirit's
high. I was one of only three American Sailors in my work
center. It was also my first Joint assignment. I worked with
folks from 35 countries. My Chief was an Australian Air
Force E-8, and my OIC was a U.S. Air Force Major. You really
build a special bond with folks over there. We all slept in a
tent in the middle of Camp Victory. The tents were cold and
muddy, but they never had bombs dropped on them as those
living in the nicely furnished and clean trailers. I woke up
too many times in the middle of the night to the sound of
rockets or grenades hitting that side of the Camp. Thankfully,
security has improved greatly since my tour.
Thanksgiving Day at Camp Victory was something else.
They really went all-out for us. We even got to use the
new dining facility. Just like at sea, the line was out
the door. The difference was now the line was behind
concrete barricades. All the traditional holiday fare
was waiting for us. There was turkey, ham, stuffing,
sweet potatoes and more. We were all especially
thankful that Thanksgiving. I will never forget the
memorial they had set up to remember those who were
no longer with us. Seeing the memorial made me really
think about how good life is at sea and how proud it
made me feel to serve my country.
Being assigned to Camp Victory was an experience in itself, you can't put into words
how vulerable you feel when you know there are people on the other side who want to
kill you. It's sure not Boxer, no sir, it's a different world. There's a lot to appreciate
about hot coffee and a shower. One of the things that I’m going to take from this is
that I never appreciated what the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines serving in
Afghanistan and Iraq were actually going through until I got there. Now I know what
it's like to be over there and I have a great deal of respect for those who were either
sent or volunteered. It has profoundly affected the way I see the world. We're all
warriors whether as "Sand Sailors" or "Haze-gray and Underway.”
Schwalbe is currently assigned to Boxer's CA Division of the C5I Department. He is no
longer known as”Animal Mother," but has become known shipwide as the "Virus Buster.”
BOXER SAILORS
STAY CONNECTED
With
Story and Photos by Mass Communication Specialist
Seaman James Seward
ABOARD USS BOXER, At Sea - USS Boxer (LHD 4) connected Sailors with
family back home for Thanksgiving via video teleconference Nov. 21.
Boxer's video teleconference (VTC) program lets Sailors talk to friends and family
by using a live internet feed that lets Sailors see who they are talking to on the
other end. Fifteen minute VTC sessions are offered to the crew each month.
"Being away from family during deployment is difficult," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW)
Kristopher Ohlsson, Boxer's VTC coordinator. "Parents are especially appreciative when they can talk to their children
particularly during the holidays."
Every month Ohlsson coordinates with Boxer's ombudsman to schedule VTC sessions. The ombudsman has family
members sign up for their VTC sessions during family support group meetings. Because of the time zone difference, many Boxer
Sailors talk to their families in the middle of the night. Most of the Sailors don't mind the early morning sessions.
"As a new parent VTC is great for my morale and gives me a fresh perspective on parenthood. It lets me see my family as if
they were here," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Raul Huerta. "Hearing their voices and seeing their faces makes a difference."
VTC isn't the only way Boxer Sailors stay connected. Boxer has several ways to stay in touch such as the United through
Reading (UTR) program. Sailors record a video of them reading a children's book.
They then mail the recording home for their children to read along with them while
watching the video.
UTR videos and VTC sessions are popular with the crew and their families
because they are often a surprise.
"These programs work because of the surprise. It's awesome to find out you're
scheduled for a VTC session," said Boxer's Postal Clerk 1st Class (SW) Deborah Byrd.
"E-mails don't have the human touch."
Boxer also has a full-service post office that helps keep Sailors in touch. While
operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet, which is a free mail zone, Sailors can send letter mail
under 13 oz. home for free.
"Free mail is a nice benefit. It makes it easy to stay in touch," said Damage
Controlman 3rd Class David Scott. "At the same time, it's nice to receive packages
from home. It makes life out here easier."
"Sailor Phones" located throughout the ship allow Sailors to call home around
the clock using discount calling cards sold in the ship's store.
"Talking with family back home really means something," said Personnel
Serviceman Seaman Richard Carlson. "Sailor Phones make it easy, especially in the
middle of deployment."
While Boxer continues operations in U.S. 5th Fleet, VTC, UTR, free mail and
Sailor Phones will continue to offer Sailors easy ways to stay in touch with home and
keep spirits high during the holidays and deployment.
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander U.S. 5th Fleet’s area
of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the
Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 27 countries, includes three
critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
IN THE RING December
6
November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving Day at Sea
What am I thankful for
“The health of my wife and me.”
IT2(SW) Peter Barnes
“My family is safe back home.”
ABH2(AW) Andre Moog
“My health, and the low amount of
ailments on the ship.”
HM2 Richard Gold
“We couldn’t do our jobs without
you(deckplate Sailors), and for that
I’m thankful.”
Capt. David Angood, Commodore
It’s from the BOXER! Navy has the ball on Army’s 26 yard line... 1st Down!
Illustration by MC3 Noel Danseco
IN THE RING December
7
c
APTION THIS PHOTO!
U.S. Navy Photo by MC3 Noel Danseco
We want your
input!
Take this photo we’ve
provided, and come up
with a funny caption all
your own.
Email your caption to:
[email protected]
The winning caption will
run in next issue of
In The Ring, so be creative!
Last Issue’s Winning Caption
“Oh, God! We shouldn’t have drank the water in India”
Submitted by: HA David Dobbins, Medical Dept.
RUNNER-UPS: “How Boatswain’s Mates handle hangover.”
Submitted by: IT2(SW) Jeanette Nerbonne, C5I
“Hey Eddie, I found your keys!”
Submitted by: CSSN Douglas Markusson, Supply Dept.
Feature Photo
“Eternal vigilance
is the price of
liberty.”
- WENDELL PHILIPS
In The Ring is an authorized publication printed by the
USS Boxer Media Center in accordance with SECNAVINST
4720.44. Information within is gathered from a variety of sources
and should not be construed as the official view of USS Boxer, the
Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense or the United
States government. Questions regarding information in In The
Ring should be directed to the Public Affairs Office (02-98-1-Q) at
x7273.
The In The Ring staff solicits stories, photos and ideas
which may be of interest to the crew. The staff reserves all editorial
rights.
Commanding Officer
Capt. Bruce W. Nichols
Executive Officer
Capt. Matthew J. McCloskey
Command Master Chief
CMDCM(SW) Shane M. Kamps
Public Affairs Officer
MCC(SW) Michael Hatfield
Feature
Photo
Feature Photo
In The Ring Editor
MC1(SW) Michael E. Miller
STAFF
ABOARD USS BOXER, At sea (Nov. 17, 2006) - USS Boxer's (LHD 4) Air Traffic Controller 2nd
Class (AW) Patrick B. Hicks uses radar inside of the ship's Helicopter Direction Center to monitor flight
operations. Boxer is the flag ship for Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group which is currently operating in the
Arabian Gulf conducting maritime security operations in support of U.S. 5th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 3rd Class James F. Bartels. (RELEASED)
Feature Photo
MC1(AW/SS/SW) Steven H. Vanderwerff
MC3 James Bartels
MC3 Jennifer Kimball
MCSN Paul Polach
MCSN Brian Gaines
MCSN Joshua Martin
MCSN James Seward
MCSN Derek Sanchez
MCSA Joshua Valcarcel
DESIGN & PRINT
MC1(SW) Devon Benart
MCSN(SW) Jessica Vargas
MC3 Noel Danseco
MCSA Robert Harris
BOXER
VISITS
BAHRAIN
Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Martin
USS BOXER, At Sea - USS Boxer (LHD 4) visited
Manama, Bahrain Nov. 19 through 21 for their first port visit
since entering the region. The purpose of the port visit was to
replenish supplies, perform minor repairs to the ship and
provide Boxer Sailors a break before continuing deployment.
“I had a great time,” said Seaman Omar Coles. “We all work
really hard, and it’s great to get out there and have fun.”
The port visit also gave Sailors the chance to experience local
culture.
“It was a great learning experience,” said Aviation Machinist’s
Mate 3rd Class Blijah Green. “The culture was very unique, and I
had a great time.”
Boxer is now
operating in the
North Arabian Gulf
(NAG) conducting Maritime Security Operations
(MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and
stability in the NAG and protect Iraq’s sea-based
infrastructure to help provide the Iraqi people the
opportunity for self determination.
“Visiting Bahrain was an excellent opportunity
for the crew to recharge,” said Boxer Executive Officer
Capt. Matthew J. McCloskey. “Everyone has
performed superbly so far, and we will continue to
maintain those high standards until the day we come
home. This stop was a well-earned break.”
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central
Command/Commander U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square
miles and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This
expanse, comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the
Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
IN THE RING December
9
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT PRODUCED BY USS BOXER MEDIA CENTER / PAO