USS Boxer ARG, 11th MEU Complete Hawaii Training

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES

05.17.2019

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Edward Guevara 

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

HONOLULU - Marines and Sailors from Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted training May 12-15, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

While training, the Marines and Sailors of 11th MEU exercised the core missions of a Marine Expeditionary Unit by seizing two airfields, establishing two forward aerial refueling points to enable
forces for follow on actions. Elements of the 11th MEU also conducted aerial insertion, ground reconnaissance, small raids, jungle training and dive recertification to maintain their advantage as a lethal and flexible amphibious force.

“Our training in Hawaii enabled us to maintain our operational edge as an amphibious Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Col. Fridrik Fridriksson, 11th MEU commander. “Sustaining the skills we’ve worked so hard to attain during an intense six-month workup is essential to maintaining the
readiness of our task force.”

The BOXARG/11th MEU recently deployed from their home port in San Diego on a regularly scheduled deployment, May 1.
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 ARG and MEU team is trained and ready to operate across the land, sea and air and that is no more apparent than our successful completion of this comprehensive exercise." said Capt. Brad Arthur, commander, Amphibious Squadron (FIVE) 5. "Our lethal Navy and Marine Corps team is ready to continue executing the missions at hand."

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 [e-mail] or Lt. Andrew Bertucci, Commander,
Amphibious Squadron Five Public Affairs Officer, at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 05.17.2019
• Date Posted: 05.17.2019 08:42
• Story ID: 322743
• Location: HONOLULU, HI, US