Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) successfully completed a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202), March 23.

Yukon moved alongside Boxer and transported more than 120 pallets between the two vessels and provided over 600,000 gallons of fuel.

The evolution was a means to demonstrate the crew's ability to effectively conduct a RAS.

“It’s imperative that Boxer can stay out to sea to accomplish the mission,” said Capt. Ronald Dowdell, Boxer’s commanding officer. “Today the crew showed they can do just that and they can do it safely and efficiently.”

The replenishment was a joint effort by Boxer Sailors and Marines assigned to 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"It builds camaraderie,” said Master Sgt. Arthur Tambah, 11th MEU Command Element (CE) headquarter commandant. “The unity of effort nurtures respect among Marines and Sailors, and that’s how we bond as one team.”

Replenishments have been a vital part of the Navy’s mission since the early 20th century as a logistics support technique to remain at sea indefinitely.

"As Admiral Nimitz once said, ‘to replenish-at-sea was the United States’ secret weapon during World War II’, and I agree with that," said Lt. Michael Wiesman, Boxer’s aviation supply officer.

Boxer is underway conducting routine operation as a part of USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

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