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ABOARD USS BOXER, Perth – USS Boxer (LHD
4) hosted a reception in the ship’s hangar bay for more than 300
guests during a port visit in Perth, Australia, following maritime
security operations in the Arabian Gulf. The event was meant to
commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Coral Sea and show
appreciation to the people Australia.
“This reception not only honors the people of Perth and the Sailors
who fought in one of the most important naval battles of World War
II,” said Boxer’s Administrative Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Bob Saunders. “It
also strengthens the relationship between the U.S. Navy and the people
of Australia.”
Prior to the commemoration ceremony, the guests -- which included
members of the Australian Parliament, Australian military officials,
and justices of the Western Australia Supreme Court -- mingled with
Boxer Sailors, enjoying refreshments while music played in the
background.
Afterwards, Boxer’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Bruce W. Nichols,
thanked the guests for attending and praised the close friendship
between the two allies.
“The United States has always enjoyed a special relationship with
Australia,” he said. “I would like to thank the people of Australia
for supporting the U.S. Navy and for their warmth, hospitality, and
friendship.”
The ship’s supply department and its culinary specialists, along with
chefs from one of Perth’s top restaurants, partnered to prepare the
food for the reception. They also exchanged culinary training at the
event and another, when Boxer’s culinary specialists helped cook in a
popular Perth restaurant.
“The Boxer crew was wonderful to work with,” said Jenny Hume, a Perth
chef. “I was impressed with their culinary skills.”
Guests stayed late into the evening, touring the ship and talking with
Boxer crewmembers.
“We always love having American Sailors here in Australia,” said Susie
Glasfurd, a guest at the reception. “They’ve always been a welcome
sight in our city.”
Boxer, commanded by Capt. Bruce W. Nichols, is part of the Boxer
Expeditionary Strike Group, operating out of San Diego, Calif., and
currently under the operational control of Commander, Expeditionary
Strike Group (ESG) 7 / Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy’s only
forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at
White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating
detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
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