Assault Division Keeps Boxer Elevated

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Anderson | A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion departs from the well deck of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) during amphibious operations in the Arabian Gulf, June 12, 2016. Boxer is the flagship for the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brett Anderson)  

UNITED STATES

08.20.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Anderson 

USS Boxer (LHD 4)

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN - From bow to stern, the Assault Division aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) maintains and operates some of the largest mission-critical equipment on the ship, but for many Sailors, the Assault Division mission is something of a mystery.

Assault Division consists of twelve Sailors. Eleven machinist’s mates and one electrician’s mate who are essential to Boxer’s ability to conduct amphibious assault operations. They are a division of Engineering department that is responsible for maintenance on the ship’s stern gate, which is imperative for launching and recovering landing craft, air cushion (LCAC).

“We’re here to support amphibious assault operations,” said Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate Shawn Seabron, the leading chief petty officer of Assault Division. “We perform maintenance that allows the opening and closing of the stern gate for the LCAC’s to depart and return to Boxer.”
Assault Division’s responsibility spans the entire length of the ship. They are accountable for the operability of several pieces of mission-critical equipment.

“We have a lot of very important equipment like the stern gate and aircraft elevators,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher Samuelsz. “If we don’t perform required maintenance, we’re putting the ship’s mission at risk.”

During restricted maneuvering doctrine (RMD) or sea and anchor detail, Assault division Sailors stand watches in the anchor windlass, as well as in aft steering.

“Every time we go to do an RMD or a sea and anchor detail, we have to do our required check. During a restricted maneuvering doctrine, we have to make sure everything is functioning right by making sure all the rudder angle indicators are projecting the correct readings and all the pumps are working properly,”

• Date Taken: 08.20.2016
• Date Posted: 08.21.2016 23:50
• Story ID: 207776
• Location: US