SPRING VALLEY GRADUATE RETURNS FROM OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT

By Petty Officer Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

October 18, 2016 (San Diego) - A 2003 Mount Miguel High School Graduate and San Diego, California native recently returned to the United States from an overseas deployment with the largest amphibious warship in the Navy.



Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Vizcorrondo, is a master-at-arms serving aboard USS Boxer (LHD-4), based in San Diego, California.

As a master-at-arms, Vizcorrondo is responsible for physical security and law enforcement in support of anti-terrorism and force protection aboard Boxer.

“I get to meet a lot of new people with my job,” said Vizcorrondo. “It’s great to be a first responder and helping people in need because I've had people do the same for me.”

Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that resembles a small aircraft carrier. When deployed overseas, it is designated as the flagship of Combined Task Force 151, the international anti-piracy task force pursuing pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Boxer is famous for playing a critical role in the rescue mission of Capt. Richard Phillips on April 12, 2009. U.S. Navy SEALS and other special operations forces from USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) rescued Phillips who was later transferred to Boxer for medical evaluation and care. This successful rescue mission was portrayed in the 2103 movie, “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks, and featuring crewmembers from the USS Boxer.

The ship is armed with two semi-active radar-guided NATO Sea Sparrow missile systems (NSSMS) for anti-air warfare protection, two rolling airframe missile (RAM) systems and two Phalanx close-in weapon-system (CIWS) mounts to counter threats from low-flying aircraft and close-in small craft. It’s 844 feet long 106 feet wide, displaces more than 40,000 tons, and reaches speeds in excess of 23 miles per hour.

As a member of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship, Vizcorrondo said he is proud to be part of most capable amphibious force in the world.

“Serving on this ship has helped me learn a lot,” said Vizcorrondo. “I’ve gained the responsibilities of someone in a higher rank, which will definitely help me in my career in the future.”

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied at sea, according to Navy officials. More than 1,000 crewmembers keep the ship running smoothly, which includes everything from maintaining engines, handling weapons, and flying aircraft.

Serving in the Navy, Vizcorrondo is learning about being a more responsible leader, and sailor through handling numerous responsibilities. The recent deployment offered the opportunity to experience cultures from around the world.

“Being in the Navy I've learned to be more resourceful and patient,” said Vizcorrondo. “There is more than one way to get things done but the Navy gives you the confidence to reach out and network to accomplish these tasks, while being able to follow the guidelines required to perform to the maximum level.”