More than 5,000 Marines and sailors are now on Guam.
The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived at Apra Harbor in Santa Rita today, Oct. 30, according to a release from the U.S. Navy.
The ARG’s port visit brings approximately 3,300 marines and 1,900 sailors to Guam.
The ARG includes the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).
Harpers Ferry arrived on Guam Oct. 28. The 11th MEU is deployed with Boxer ARG and serves as a theater reserve and crisis response force.
“Guam plays a very important role to the U.S. Navy’s overall mission,” said Capt. Jeffrey Grimes, U.S. Naval Base Guam commanding officer. “For the ARG, this is an opportunity to re-supply and complete any maintenance. For the Sailors and Marines, it is an opportunity for them to enjoy the heritage, culture, and beauty that Guam has to offer, first-hand.”
While on Guam, sailors from Boxer will volunteer on Nov. 1 at the Pedro Santos Park in Piti and at the Island Girl Power.
Sailors will participate in a beautification project at the park and help clear the IGP Nature Park trail, plant trees, and organize items in the IGP thrift store.
