Council Bluffs Sailor Returns from Operation Iraqi Freedom

November 02, 2003
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10447947&BRD=2554&PAG=461&dept_id

- Editor's Note: The following story was written by Daniel Jones, a Naval officer.

How does a U.S. Navy Fire Controlman contribute to the Global War on terrorism and the defense of his country? He becomes part of a deadly arsenal that includes a 40,000-ton warship with the added punch of U.S. Marine Corps firepower.

Warship, Marine weaponry and Jeremy A. Starmer of Council Bluffs made up a potent inventory of military might during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Petty Officer of the Navy 2nd Class Starmer and his fellow sailors on board the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Boxer recently returned from a 190-day Western Pacific deployment where they patrolled the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Starmer, the 24-year-old son of Larry and Marcia Starmer, both of Council Bluffs, is a fire controlman on board the Boxer.

"I repair and operate the ship's primary air search radar system," said Starmer, the 1997 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School.

Boxer was involved in various missions during OIF, including the night rescue of former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch. The ship's intelligence specialists provided satellite imagery to the marine pilots and helicopters from Boxer used in the operation.

Boxer supported coalition efforts by deploying on what would become the longest deployment in the history of the ship. The deployment gave Starmer and the crew of Boxer experience to last a lifetime.

"We transported nearly 2,000 Marines and their equipment to the Middle East while defending the waters of the (Persian) Gulf," Starmer said.

Based in San Diego, the ship's primary mission is to transport and land Marines, along with their equipment and supplies. This versatile 844-foot amphibious transport ship carries a crew of more than 800 sailors and nearly 2,000 Marines and is capable of deploying Navy air-cushion-type landing craft, Marine amphibious vehicles and various Marine aircraft. Additionally, the ship is capable of performing humanitarian relief mission. Starmer enjoyed the opportunity to serve his country at a time when he was needed most.

"It's an honor to serve my country. We spent everyday training for situations like this. When we get to use all the skills that we learn in an actual situation, it makes it all worthwhile," the six-year Navy veteran said.

Now Starmer and the ship's crew are ready to turn their attention toward the next mission in the Global war on terrorism when they are called.