The USS Boxer is the name given to several ships in the United States Navy, most notably a series of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. The first USS Boxer was a brig captured from the British during the War of 1812. The most famous, USS Boxer (CV-21), was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945, which served in the closing months of World War II and saw extensive action during the Korean War, earning eight battle stars. Later, the USS Boxer (LHD-4), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, was commissioned in 1995 and continues to serve as a key element of the U.S. Navy’s expeditionary forces, participating in humanitarian missions, combat operations, and multinational exercises around the globe. Throughout their service, ships bearing the name USS Boxer have established a legacy of versatility and distinguished service in the U.S. Navy.
