Despite some delays, finally the amphibious warship USS BOXER (LHD-4) departed from San Diego on 1 April, with the remaining part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), to join the rest of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) already deployed in the Pacific. Unfortunately, in accordance with the US Navy statement, during the recertifying activity at sea with the Marines MV-22, back into operation after a 3-month grounding, the ships suffered an engineering casualty which forced it to return to San Diego for repairs.

The BOXER ARG and the 15th MEU remain – again - without the spearhead of the formation, with significant restrictions in terms of capabilities, now limited to USS SOMERSET (LPD-25) and USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD-49), which have already spent some months at sea, with the former already on duty in the assigned – 3rd Fleet - region.

USS BOXER postponed deployment will also delay the first deployment for the Marines of their Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), the IVECO DV and BAE Systems successor to the retired Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV-7). The ACV were originally scheduled to deploy in 2022, but the Marine Corps delayed the deployment to allow the crews to gain additional training and certifications. In accordance with the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the new amphibious vehicle is still planned to deploy with the 15th MEU and then become part of the Okinawa contingent “once they get out there.” The delay has upended a series of planned engagements and exercises in the Western Pacific, likely including amphibious drills with Thailand in the COBRA GOLD exercise series.

Unknown at this stage when the amphibious warship will resume its deployment. In accordance with the official statements released by the US Navy, during last year, USS BOXER has been subject of at least 2 command investigations that found major deficiencies in its engineering department. The investigation highlighted the poor discipline and expertise of the Navy personnel who were responsible for several engineering breakdowns. By this information, it is likely that the material condition of the naval platform had been the main factor in the split deployment of the ARG.

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