USS Boxer and 15th MEU from Pendleton Return to San Diego After 5 Months in the Pacific

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer and elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have returned to San Diego and Camp Pendleton after a five-month deployment that was delayed by rudder problems.

The warship originally left San Diego on April 1, but had to return twice for repairs to its giant rudder, before finally departing on July 3. It returned to Naval Base San Diego on Sunday.

The 2,500 sailors and Marines embarked on the ship trained with allies from South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and the Philippines, and provided disaster relief following Typhoon Krathon in the region.

Throughout the deployment, the Boxer executed more than 3,500 launches and recoveries of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, completing more than 2,100 flight hours.

The Boxer is effectively a small aircraft carrier, with helicopters, Osprey tiltrotors and F-35B stealth fighters, as well as hovercraft for amphibious landings.

“The tactical expertise, professionalism, and stealth of the sailors and Marines who make up our amphibious force team is unmatched, and that was proven time and time again throughout our deployment to the 7th Fleet area of operations,” said Navy Capt. Tate Robinson, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 5.

The Boxer was accompanied by the amphibious transport dock shop USS Somerset and dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry, both of which returned earlier to San Diego.

“Together, the entire 15th MEU and the three ships of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group have demonstrated an exceptional level of versatility, resilience, and operational capability,” said Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer, 15th MEU.

“From crisis response during foreign disaster relief to supporting 10 theater exercises, the accomplishments of our amphibious force reflect the skill, resilience, dedication and professionalism of every Marine and sailor,” Dynan said.