Boxer ARG Departs For COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Sanchez

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed San Diego to begin Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Oct. 19.

The exercise, which is conducted off the coast of southern California, is designed to assess the readiness of the Boxer ARG prior to deployment.

"COMPTUEX is an invaluable opportunity to work together with our Marine Corps teammates and prove that we are fully prepared for deployment," said Capt. Keith Moore, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1. "I have full confidence in the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, and I look forward to facing the challenges that the evaluation team has planned for us."

The exercise, which is evaluated by Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 15, is designed to certify the Boxer ARG as deployment-ready, by testing its ability to react to realistic scenarios. The training scenarios include live fire evolutions, simulated straits transits, maritime security exercises, amphibious landings and other events that the ARG may encounter while deployed.

"We've been preparing for this for some time," said Yeoman 2nd Class Sandy Toves, a small craft assessment team (SCAT) member. "[SCAT is] expecting to run scenarios in which small boats will be circling the ship and be tested on how well we respond. This is just one more thing that can prepare us for what deployment might bring."

After satisfactorily completing COMPTUEX, the Boxer ARG will be certified for their next deployment, which is scheduled to begin in early 2016.

The Boxer ARG is composed of PHIBRON-1, the 13th MEU, Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).