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).

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. Boxers deployment order highlights the inherent flexibility of naval forces. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Mark J. Rebilas. File# 040114-N-6213R-001