USS Boxer Arrives in Philippines for Typhoon Krathon Disaster Relief

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) has arrived in the Philippines this week to support disaster relief efforts following Typhoon Krathon.

Typhoon Krathon, known locally as Julian, made landfall in the Province of Cagayan on September 30, causing significant damage. The typhoon went on to hit Taiwan, where it became only the second typhoon in history to dissipate over the island.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is leading the foreign disaster response operations, with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) providing crucial support.

The U.S. military’s response comes at the request of the Philippine government and is directed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

“The primary focus of our mission is helping the people of the Philippines recover as quickly and safely as possible,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th MEU. “Alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines and USAID, our forces will help coordinate and transport relief supplies to those who were most affected in the Batanes Islands.”

The ARG-MEU will transport USAID supplies, including tarps, shelter kits, and food packets, to remote locations within the Philippines.

“The unique construct of the Navy and Marine Corps team in an ARG-MEU provides us the ability to respond to crises through rapid maneuverability and embarked assets, allowing us to be on station and ready to support however we are needed,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Tate Robinson, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 5.