What Happened to USS Boxer (LHD-4)?

The USS Boxer (LHD-4) was commissioned on February 11, 1995, as the fourth Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, designed to transport, deploy, and support a Marine Expeditionary Unit. Its early years saw multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf, including its maiden deployment in 1997. A significant period of its service included a six-month deployment in 2003 in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where it deployed ahead of schedule with six other ships from San Diego. The Boxer also played a crucial role in anti-piracy operations, serving as the flagship for Combined Task Force 151 off the coast of Somalia in 2009, notably assisting in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates.

A key turning point for the USS Boxer began in April 2020 when BAE Systems was awarded a substantial contract for extensive modernization and maintenance. This work was specifically aimed at upgrading the ship to support and operate the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, a critical enhancement for future naval air operations. The modernization, initially projected for completion by December 2021, faced delays and ongoing maintenance issues, which prevented the ship from returning to sea as of July 2023.

The ship's operational status in 2024 and 2025 highlighted these challenges. After departing San Diego in March 2024, it returned just ten days later due to mechanical problems. However, following repairs, it redeployed to the Indo-Pacific in July 2024, operating with allies and partners before returning to San Diego in late November 2024. In February 2025, the Boxer marked its 30th anniversary and resumed routine Third Fleet operations, including flight operations with Marine MV-22B and F-35B aircraft, showcasing the results of its modernization.

As of March 2026, the USS Boxer continues to navigate a demanding schedule of training and maintenance. A major Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) is planned from April 2025 through October 2026, indicating a significant period of shipyard work. Furthermore, a contract for boiler repair and maintenance was awarded in February 2026. Despite these ongoing maintenance requirements, the ship held a change of command ceremony on March 13, 2026, with Captain Eli Owre assuming command. Most recently, the USS Boxer was reported underway in the Pacific Ocean on March 19, 2026, suggesting intermittent operational periods or sea trials within its broader maintenance and training cycle. The ship's continued modernization and readiness remain a priority for the U.S. Navy, balancing operational demands with essential upgrades and repairs.