June 24, 2019 —
The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, June 23, relieving the Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU.
The Boxer ARG/11th MEU departed from their home port, San Diego, May 1 and completed a successful transit through the U.S. 3rd Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleets areas of operations since their departure.
“Our training and preparation to enter the 5th Fleet area of operations has all been designed to ensure we can be ready where it matters, when it matters,” said Col. Fridrik Fridriksson, 11th MEU commander. “We’re a Navy and Marine Corps team fully capable of conducting operations across a full spectrum of conventional, unconventional and hybrid warfare.”
11th MEU consists of the Command Element; the Aviation Combat Element comprised of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element comprised of Battalion Landing Team 3/5; and the Logistics Combat Element comprised of Combat Logistics Battalion 11.
“The BOXARG/11th MEU team is a flexible, adaptable and persistent force.” said Capt. Brad Arthur, commander, Amphibious Squadron (FIVE) 5. “All of our training and our transit to 5th Fleet have made us prepared to respond to any crises across the range of military operations.”
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 together with the 11th MEU, 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.
For additional information contact the 11th MEU Communication Strategy and Operations Officer, Capt. Jim Stenger at [email protected] or Lt. Andrew Bertucci, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Five Public Affairs Officer, at [email protected].
