Boxer becomes piracy task force flagship

[unhappycamper]

The amphibious assault ship Boxer is now the flagship for Combined Task Force 151.


Boxer becomes piracy task force flagship
Staff report
Posted : Tuesday Mar 10, 2009 15:48:31 EDT

The flag for Combined Task Force 151, the Navy’s counterpiracy flotilla, has moved to the amphibious assault ship Boxer, now operating in the waters of the Middle East.

CTF 151 stood up in January following a rapid spike in pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden that began in August. It originally was made up of U.S. forces, but naval forces from the United Kingdom, Denmark and Turkey now participate.

Previous flagships have been the cruisers Monterey and Vella Gulf, and the amphibious transport dock San Antonio.

Along with a Navy helicopter detachment, Boxer also has embarked Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which includes several types of combat aircraft from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (reinforced).

The task force is commanded by Rear Adm. Terry McKnight.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/03/navy_flagship151_031009/%2e

[Sherman A1]

1. Excellent!

this is a good thing.