Ellis assumed command of Boxer in Feb. 2021, and will go on to serve at U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa in Naples, Italy, as chief of staff.

As commanding officer, Ellis led Boxer through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw critical maintenance and system upgrades. Under her leadership, Boxer received the Naval Surface Forces excellence awards for maritime warfare and engineering, as well as the Force Health and Wellness green “H” award and FY-21 Retention Excellence awards.

“Boxer, I cannot adequately express how proud and humbled I am to have had the opportunity to serve with you over these last three years,” said Ellis. “This has unequivocally been the highlight tour of my career and I will always be proud to say that I’m a Boxer Sailor.”

Cieslukowski is a 1998 graduate of the University of Virginia and commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He earned a Master of Arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Cieslukowski has completed five at sea deployments across the fleet during this career. His first Commanding Officer Andand Executive Officer tours were on board USS Sterett (DDG 104). CieslukowsiCieslukowski checked in on board Boxer as Executive Officer in Feb. 2021.

After assuming command, Cieslukowski spoke of Boxer’s future and the confidence he has in the crew.

“I am humbled at the collected talent, dedication and skill of the Boxer family,” said Cieslukowski. “As I begin my time as Captain, I do so fully understanding my great responsibility to each and every one of you, our families, our country and the legacy of those who have walked these deck plates before us.

Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned February 11, 1995 and is the sixth ship to bear the name. Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.

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