Boxer Surface Warfare Officer Selected for Warfare Tactics Instructor School

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Roland M Ardon | SAN DIEGO (Jan. 3, 2024) – Lt. j.g. Vinnie Del Mundo, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, assigned to USS Boxer (LHD 4), is pinned to the rank of lieutenant by his family during a ceremony in the ship’s upper vehicle deck. Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roland Ardon)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

03.29.2024

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class James Finney 

USS Boxer (LHD 4)

What comes to mind when you hear the title red chip? Some may think of a red potato chip or maybe even a poker chip on a card table. Aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), a red chip is the distinguished honor given to one junior officer who will embark on a journey to become an expert in amphibious warfare.

Throughout the talented wardroom onboard Boxer, only one can be selected to receive the coveted red chip annually. Following the ship’s intensive sea certification period, Boxer’s Commanding Officer Capt. Brian Holmes presented his first Golden Gator red chip to Lt. Vinnie Delmundo, the assistant damage control assistant (ADCA).

“From engineering to combat systems to ship handling and beyond, Boxer’s surface warfare officers play a critical role maintaining and operating this ship,” said Holmes. “Among a talented and hardworking group of junior officers onboard Boxer, Lt. Delmundo has distinguished himself as a warfare practitioner that has a keen ability to lead Sailors. His unmatched dedication to master all aspects of amphibious assault operations made him the optimal selection as a future Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI).”

The Red Chip program allows a ship’s commanding officer to nominate one surface warfare officer per year, qualified as a divisional officer, to be selected for the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) WTI program of their choice.

"SMWDC's mission is to increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force across all domains. To complete that mission, we rely on identifying top-performing SWOs to serve as Warfare Tactics Instructors. The Red Chip program allows Commanding Officers to recognize top performers and provide a direct input into a WTI Course of Instruction,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, SMWDC commander. “Once in the COI, candidates are expected to grow and develop as warriors, thinkers and teachers, while remaining humble, credible and approachable. We are excited for Lt. Delmundo to have an opportunity to earn a patch."

The red chip gains Delmundo entry into an exclusive and rigorous four month course of instruction to become one of the infamous naval instructors known as a WTI. There they will train, qualify and develop officers into a warrior, thinker and teachers within four warfare areas. Delmundo’s focus will be amphibious warfare tactics.

“It means so much that the command is entrusting me with this opportunity to get this requisite knowledge in amphibious warfare,” said Delmundo.

Having the ability to delve deeper into his passions and honor his family through naval service has been a driving force for Delmundo. On his second tour aboard an amphibious ship, Delmundo’s decision to pursue a specialty in amphibious warfare operations has been homegrown.

“My wife’s great-grandfather was involved in the D-Day attacks,” said Delmundo, a Shreveport, Louisiana native. “That’s going back to one of the most well-known amphibious assaults in history. Marrying into a family with that background and continuing my quest to learn more about amphibious warfare in a modern era is what drives me.”

The amphibious legacy has been an immense motivating factor throughout Delumondo’s career. When he detaches from Boxer and reports for WTI training, he will continue the family business forged on the beaches of Normandy eight decades ago.

While the amphibious warfare technology has changed over the years, the tactics remain time-tested. Delmundo looks forward to being able to train the next generation of surface warriors.

“Carrying on the tradition of amphibious warfare from World War II to now, I want to be able to give back by teaching other Sailors in my field,” said Delmundo.

Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, the flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

• Date Taken: 03.29.2024
• Date Posted: 03.29.2024 15:42
• Story ID: 467392
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US
• Hometown: SHREVEPORT, LA, US