Boxer Supply Department Earns Third Consecutive “Best in Class” Award

USS Boxer (LHD 4) and ships assigned to Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) steam alongside while transiting to U.S. 5th Fleet's area of responsibility. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, is responsible for a sea encompassing about 2.5 million square miles of water including the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Paul Polach

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Brian Gaines, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS Boxer’s (LHD 4) Supply Department received its third consecutive Ship’s Store and Services Excellence Award in the LHD category March 22 while deployed to the Persian Gulf. The award, presented by Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, is awarded annually to ship’s stores in each Navy ship classification that excel in customer service and amount of sales.

“The ‘Best in Class’ award is a huge achievement for us,” said Cmdr. Beth Howell, Boxer’s supply officer. “It’s truly a reflection of the hard work, expertise and dedication of our people and their commitment to doing their best.” The award is based on several criteria, such as sales management, sales volume and inventory control. The Sailors who work in Boxer’s store believe other factors also contributed to Boxer’s recognition.

“Our ship’s store has a wide variety of items,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Geraldine Ferraren. “That and the excellent customer service people get when they walk in sets us apart from the rest.” Although the award is given for excellence in sales and retail, Boxer’s Supply Department believes it is a reflection of the entire department. “No one person is responsible for this award,” said Master Chief Ship’s Serviceman (SW/AW) Ronnie Roxas, leading chief petty officer of Boxer’s Supply Department. “It’s the result of everyone’s hard work and commitment to being the best. I’m extremely proud of my Sailors.” Boxer’s Supply Department continues to maintain its high level of service and is already setting its sights on winning its fourth consecutive Ship’s Store Excellence ‘Best in Class’ award.

Boxer is the flagship for Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), which is currently conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in support of U.S. 5th Fleet. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.