USS BOXER

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS BOXER

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.

Unit Members

Jason Novak

U.S. Navy

USS BOXERView Profile

John These

U.S. Navy (1960 - 1963)

USS BOXERView Profile

Photos

A School

U.S. Navy • 1979

Buddies

U.S. Navy

All P-3 retired

VP Squadrons • U.S. Navy • 2024

My book

USS Lawrence DDG-4 • U.S. Navy • 1972

About USS BOXER

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Multiple Ships Named USS Boxer: The name "USS Boxer" has been used for six different ships in the US Navy, spanning from the early 19th century to the present day. • Captured from the British: The first USS Boxer was originally a British brig captured by the US Navy during the War of 1812, in a fierce battle off the coast of Maine. • Famous Duel (1813): The battle between USS Enterprise and HMS Boxer was notable for the deaths of both commanding officers, who were buried side by side with full military honors in Portland, Maine. • World War II Aircraft Carrier: The fifth USS Boxer (CV-21) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1945, just after World War II ended. • Korean War Service: USS Boxer (CV-21) played a vital role in the Korean War, conducting airstrikes and ferrying aircraft and supplies to the war zone. • Record-Breaking Cruise: In 1950, Boxer set a speed record by crossing the Pacific from Alameda, California, to Yokosuka, Japan, in 8 days, 16 hours, delivering urgently needed aircraft to Korea. • First Jet Aircraft Carrier Delivery: Boxer was the first US carrier to transport jet aircraft (F-80 Shooting Stars) across the Pacific during the Korean War. • Modern Amphibious Assault Ship: The current USS Boxer (LHD-4), commissioned in 1995, is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship capable of carrying Marines, helicopters, and vertical/short take-off aircraft. • Anti-Piracy Operations: In July 2009, USS Boxer (LHD-4) served as the flagship for Combined Task Force 151, conducting anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. • Humanitarian Missions: USS Boxer has participated in humanitarian missions, including Operation Unified Assistance after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and disaster relief efforts in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.