Boxer last used the fuel delivery system in 2009 making
this rare event an important training opportunity. Making this event
even more unusual, Boxer is one of only two ships of this class that
has an A-frame delivery system, which requires a separate winch to
lower the entire fuel delivery system over the side making it a difficult
process.
"There were only three personnel [left on boxer]
that have actually sent this rig in the past," said Chief Warrant
Officer 4 Jimmy George, Boxer's Boatswain. "I could not have
inherited a better group of young men and women. I couldn't be more
proud of our team for completing this certification safely and professionally."
While travelling side by side with a mere 180 feet
of separation, Sailors shot lines from one ship to the other to establish
communication and connect the rig to run fuel lines. The fuel lines
were then pulled to Harpers Ferry, enabling the fuel transfer to start.
"[Boxer] is not an oiler and this is an evolution
that they haven't done in a while, so that's different right off the
bat," said Cmdr. Jon Rigby, commanding officer of Harpers Ferry.
"Oilers do it every day, and LHDs will only do it once a training
cycle so there's the rust that you have to worry about getting knocked
off."
Though rarely done, the replenishment at sea between
Boxer and Harpers Ferry gives the ARG commander options for sustaining
the force at sea for extended periods of time and makes the force
more self-reliant.
"The evolution was professionally done by team
Boxer and team Harpers Ferry," said Moore. "For an evolution
that hasn't been conducted in years, you couldn't look for a smoother
execution."
The Boxer ARG is composed of Boxer, Harpers Ferry,
and amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and the 13th
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).