Homeported in San Diego, the USS Boxer (LHD 4) has been in the news this week for assuming the role as the flaship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, an international naval task force set up early this year to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and currently includes naval forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark and Turkey. USS Boxer (LHD 4) is to replace the USS San Antonio (LPD-17) as the flagship for CTF 151.
The Boxer, built in 1993 by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, is a WASP Class Amphibius Assault Ship and was officially commissioned Februaryl 11, 1995.
Boxer’s embarked units include the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 Detachment 3, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, ACU 1, Beach Master Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 5 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.
Additional Information:
Beam: 106 feet
Speed: 20+ knots
Length: 844 feet
Displacment: 40,500 tons
Accomodations: 1,174 crew, 2070 troops
Additional Images:
Links:
Updated: February 5, 2026 (Originally published March 12, 2009)
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