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Caption:
San Diego, Calif. (Jan 14, 2004) -- Lcpl. Mario Reyes, of Chicago, Ill
says a final goodbye to his family on his cellular phone prior to
boarding the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). Boxer
departed today on a deployment to the Central Command area of
responsibility in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II force
rotation. More than 200 Marines and 900 Sailors embarked aboard
USS Boxer are providing amphibious lift for a portion of the equipment
and personnel from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (1 MEF) stationed
at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. The majority of Marines
deploying from 1 MEF will depart in the Spring via air transport.
Boxer's deployment order highlights the inherent flexibility of naval
forces. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J.
Rebilas. (RELEASED)
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