An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Gov. David Apatang addresses military leaders during the CNMI Stakeholders meeting in Saipan, Dec. 4. 251205-N-LS152-6041
From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Mark Weinstein and Cody Raymond, 374th Air Expeditionary Wing loadmasters, drop humanitarian bundles. 374 AEW conduct airdrop over Federated States of Micronesia during OCD25
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, left, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman, host an all-hands call with Sailors at Naval Base Guam theater, Nov. 19. 251119-D-ES098-1011
Commander, Naval Base Guam Capt. John Frye, right, and Virgilio Figueras, housing director for NBG, left, provide Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle a tour of unaccompanied housing on NBG, Nov. 19. 251119-N-JC256-2072
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, left, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman, host an all-hands call with Sailors at Naval Base Guam theater, Nov. 19. 251119-D-ES098-1004
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) returns to Naval Base Guam, reaffirming its role in the Indo-Pacific, Nov. 18, 2025. USS Asheville (SSN 758) returns to homeport
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer, JS Hyuga, leads United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Fitzgerald (centre-right), Indian Navy Shivalik-class frigate, INS Sahyadri (centre-left), and Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate, HMAS Ballarat, during Exercise MALABAR 25 off the coast of Guam. Australia, India, Japan and U.S. Forces Participate in Exercise Malabar 2025
Guam Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, and Rear Adm. Brett Mietus, commander, Joint Region Marianas, provide updates during the Civil-Military Coordination Council meeting at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Complex in Hagatna, Nov. 14. 251114-D-ES098-1001
Guam Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, and Rear Adm. Brett Mietus, commander, Joint Region Marianas, provide updates during the Civil-Military Coordination Council meeting at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Complex in Hagatna, Nov. 14. 251114-D-ES098-1006
The USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew return to homeport Nov. 5, 2025, after a deployment of more than eight months that included scheduled drydock maintenance in Honolulu and activities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The cutter departed Guam on Feb. 24 and is the third Guam-based Fast Response Cutter to complete the significant systems overhaul. 251105-G-IA651-9643
The USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew return to homeport Nov. 5, 2025, after a deployment of more than eight months that included scheduled drydock maintenance in Honolulu and activities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. 251105-G-IA651-4586
The crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) deliver essential supplies donated through a nonprofit foundation and coordinated with the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia to Kapingamarangi Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia on Sept. 15, 2025. 250915-G-G0020-4713
The crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) deliver essential supplies donated through a nonprofit foundation and coordinated with the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia to Sapwuahfik in the Federated States of Micronesia on Sept. 13, 2025. 250913-G-G0020-9490
The crew of the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) and members of the Federated States of Micronesia National Police - Maritime Wing take a moment for a team photo at the pier in Pohnpei, FSM on Sept. 17, 2025, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and fisheries regulations. 250917-G-G0020-6299
Department of War officials, local government, and federal agencies meet for a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. 250925-N-ES098-1001
Commander, Joint Task Force - Micronesia U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, center, speaks with participants following the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Stakeholders Meeting in Saipan, Sept. 25. 250925-N-ES098-1011
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Spencer Bull, Region Officer in Charge of Construction director for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Oceania, speaks to Tinian community members during an outreach meeting, Sept. 25. 250925-N-ES098-1015
. USINDOPACOM Commander Underscores U.S.-Guam Partnership, Regional Security at Defense Forum
. USINDOPACOM Commander Underscores U.S.-Guam Partnership, Regional Security at Defense Forum
. USINDOPACOM Commander Underscores U.S.-Guam Partnership, Regional Security at Defense Forum
. USINDOPACOM Commander Underscores U.S.-Guam Partnership, Regional Security at Defense Forum
. USINDOPACOM Commander Underscores U.S.-Guam Partnership, Regional Security at Defense Forum
The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew transits off Rota, CNMI, on Aug. 27, 2025. 250827-G-G0020-4406
The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) and USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) cross paths on Sept 1, 2025, off Guam. 250916-G-G0020-7028
The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew approaches Guam after conducting a transit to Rota and back with senior leaders aboard on Aug. 27, 2025. 250827-G-G0020-8040
The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) recovers the small boat after visiting to Rota on Aug. 27, 2025. 250827-G-G0020-9583
The U.S. Coast Guard and partners in Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia, conduct the Federated States of Micronesia Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise 2025 on July 31, 2025, demonstrating the value of recent enhancements in regional SAR capabilities and coordination. 250731-G-KA898-2047
The U.S. Coast Guard and partners in Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia, conduct the Federated States of Micronesia Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise 2025 on July 31, 2025, demonstrating the value of recent enhancements in regional SAR capabilities and coordination. 250731-G-XF267-2711
The U.S. Coast Guard and partners in Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia, conduct the Federated States of Micronesia Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercise 2025 on July 31, 2025, demonstrating the value of recent enhancements in regional SAR capabilities and coordination. 250731-G-XF267-4860
U.S. Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific color guard present the colors during the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2025. Battle of Guadalcanal: 83rd anniversary of Operation Watchtower
Multinational service members, veterans, Solomon Islands government leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and civilians attend the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2025. Battle of Guadalcanal: 83rd anniversary of Operation Watchtower
Multinational service members, veterans, Solomon Islands government leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and civilians attend the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal Ceremony at the Guadalcanal American Memorial in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Aug. 7, 2025. Battle of Guadalcanal: 83rd anniversary of Operation Watchtower
Crew members from the Legend-class U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) welcome aboard Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Sea Patrol Able Seaman for bilateral maritime law enforcement operations in RMI waters, July 9, 2025. 250709-G-NJ244-9291
The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew stand for a photo with Palauan maritime officers from the Division of Marine Law off the coast of the Republic of Palau on June 27, 2025. 250627-G-G0020-5022
A U.S. Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Apra Harbor departs Agana Boat Basin after safely mooring the 47-foot motor vessel Lucky Harvest following a tow from offshore on July 1, 2025. 250701-G-G0020-6743

 

 

JTF - Micronesia News

Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Completes CERTEX

21 December 2015

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Eckelbecker

Download Icon Download
PACIFIC OCEAN -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) successfully completed a two-week Certification Exercise (CERTEX), Dec. 16, off the coast of southern California. 

CERTEX is the final integrated-training event for the Boxer ARG and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). 

"The Boxer ARG/13th MEU team did a fantastic job during CERTEX," said Capt. Keith Moore, commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 1. "We trained for a wide variety of scenarios that cover the full gamut of amphibious operations. I believe that the experience we gained from fighting the scenarios have made us a more capable combat force, ready for the challenges we will face in the 5th and 7th Fleets."

CERTEX is a comprehensive, complex training evolution that combines the Navy and Marine Corps maritime and ship-to-shore capabilities. 

"CERTEX was a great opportunity to learn and refine our methods during training, preparing us for potential real-world events," said Capt. Mike S. Ruth, commanding officer, USS Boxer (LHD 4). "It allowed our Navy and Marine Corps team to maintain a high state of readiness, and really shows how important each Sailor and Marine is to Boxer ARG's mission. I'm proud of the team and the training we accomplished."

With an ever-increasing focus on joint operations, the scenario allowed the different services the opportunity to train in a joint maritime operation.

"I don't really use the words 'blue/green team,'" said Marine Corps Col. Anthony M. Henderson, commanding officer, 13th MEU. "I call us a team. We're one force. I try every day not to see it as this side and that side that come together at a specific moment in time or a specific event. I see us as one force."

The ARG was evaluated on many different scenarios, testing their ability to operate in several mission-critical areas, including maritime boarding, combat flight operations, and civilian evacuation drills.

The ARG/MEU team completed the first phase known as Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON)-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) in late-September, which gave the Blue/Green team their first opportunity to train together during staff-planning exercises and an amphibious-landing exercise. The second phase - Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) - was completed in mid-October, and allowed the Navy/Marine Corps team the opportunity to more fully integrate and cohesively conduct a variety of sea-based operations.

The Boxer ARG is commanded by Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1 and consists of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), and more than 2,600 Marines from the 13th MEU.

Additional Navy units assigned to and embarked aboard the Boxer ARG/MEU include Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, and Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1 comprised of Assault Craft Units (ACU) 5 and 1, and Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 1. The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine forces from Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 1st Marines (BLT 2/1), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced), and Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 15.

For more news from USS Boxer (LHD 4), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/


 

Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon