The Legacy of the Name "BOXER"

The name "BOXER" holds a proud and storied place in naval history, carried by ships in both the British Royal Navy and the United States Navy. This legacy of strength, resilience, and service connects generations of Sailors and Marines.

HMS BOXER (1812) - The Origin

The story begins with the British Royal Navy brig HMS BOXER, a 14-gun vessel. Her most famous engagement occurred during the War of 1812, in a fierce battle against the American brig USS ENTERPRISE on September 5, 1813, off the coast of Maine. Though the BOXER was defeated, the valor displayed by both crews became legendary, and the name was destined to be carried on by the United States Navy.

Illustration of the HMS Boxer
An artist's rendering of the original HMS BOXER.

USS BOXER (CV/CVA/CVS-21) - The Essex-Class Carrier

The first USS BOXER of the United States Navy was an Essex-class aircraft carrier. Launched in 1944, she missed combat in World War II but went on to a distinguished career. She served multiple tours in the Korean War, launching vital air strikes and providing crucial support. Later reclassified, she played a key role in the Pacific as an anti-submarine carrier (CVS) and was the recovery ship for the first official mission of the "Space-plane," the X-15.

The USS BOXER (CV-21) at sea.
Two F4U-5N Corsair fighters of squadron VC-3 fly past BOXER (CV-21) during combat operations off Korea.

USS BOXER (LPH-4) - The Amphibious Assault Ship

The second USS BOXER was an Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship, designed to transport and land Marines. Commissioned in 1961, LPH-4 was a workhorse during the Vietnam War, participating in numerous amphibious landings and operations. She served as a primary recovery ship for the Apollo program, famously recovering the Apollo 8 astronauts, the first humans to orbit the Moon.

The USS BOXER (LPH-4) with helicopters on deck.
U.S. Marine Corps HUS-1 helicopters lift off BOXER's flight deck, during operations off Vieques Island with the Tenth Provisional Marine Brigade, 8 March 1959.

USS BOXER (LHD-4) - The Modern Wasp-Class

The current and active USS BOXER is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, a versatile vessel capable of deploying a full range of military operations. Commissioned in 1995, LHD-4 has served globally, participating in humanitarian aid missions, counter-piracy operations, and supporting Marine Expeditionary Units in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere. She continues to uphold the proud legacy of the BOXER name, representing the cutting edge of the U.S. Navy's amphibious forces.

The modern USS BOXER (LHD-4).
The current USS BOXER (LHD-4) continues the legacy today.