The ship's keel was authenticated on April 8, 1991. LHD 4 was launched on August 13, 1993. After post-launch outfitting and testing, Ingalls delivered the ship to the U.S. Navy on November 21, 1994 in preparation for the ship's commissioning into the U.S. Pacific Fleet duty on February 11, 1995.

Three amphibious ships, led by the USS Boxer, and more than 2,000 Marines from Camp Pendleton departed March 24, 1997 for the Mideast and Western Pacific for a six-month deployment. The ships and Marines replaced USS Essex ARG.

USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 15th MEU returned home September 23, 1997 after a six-month deployment to the western Pacific, Red Sea, Arabian Gulf And Indian Ocean. Sailors and Marines traveled more than 30,000 miles with visits to Pearl Harbor; Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Penang, Malaysia; Aqaba, Jordan; Massawa, Eritrea; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Bali, Indonesia; Surabaya, Indonesia; Darwin, Australia; and Cairns, Australia. During their deployment to 5th Fleet AOR, Marines and Sailors conducted four bilateral training exercises with regional allies: Infinite Moonlight, Infinite Shadow, Red Reef and Iron Magic. In addition, pilots flying AV-8B Harriers from LHD 4 flew sorties patrolling the no-fly zone over southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch.

Amphibious Squadron Seven's third deployment was from December 5, 1998 to June 5, 1999 and again with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During the deployment, the staff participated in Exercises Edget Mallet, Neon Falcon, and Eager Mace. The Squadron made port calls in Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali, Indonesia; Townesville, Australia and Pearl Harbor, HI.

The Amphibious Ready Group returned from successful amphibious orientation training and Rim of the Pacific 2000 exercises with 1st Marine division, stationed in Camp Pendleton, and 3rd Marine Division, stationed in Kaneohe bay, Hawaii, respectively. Together with the 3rd Marines, USS Boxer ARG conducted a humanitarian assistance disaster relief exercise, several training events to include helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids, an amphibious rehearsal and an amphibious assault.

Amphibious Squadron Seven employs Amphibious Ready Group ships and embarked MEU forces to execute all assigned operational tasks in support of the nation's littoral warfare strategy. Commander Amphibious Squadron 7 is responsible for preparing the ARG for an early 2001 deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. 11th MEU will be the third Unit to embark USS Boxer and began workups with the ARG in early June 2000.

January 17, 2003 LHD 4 departed Naval Station San Diego, as part of the seven ships ATF-W, for the Arabian Gulf and what would become Operation Iraqi Freedom.

It spent the first 100 days of deployment at sea before having its first break from operations in the port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, April 27. It was in the Arabian Gulf for the duration of Operation Iraqi Freedom conducting coalition air control and identification, and providing sea-based support to Marine aviation units and U.S. and coalition ships in the region. Crew members also participated in mine countermeasure and small boat operations. Ship's personnel were involved in the night rescue of former POW Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch. The ship's intelligence specialists provided satellite imagery of the hospital and surrounding areas to Marine pilots who staged for the mission from USS Boxer. On return from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sailors and Marines visited Sydney and Townsville, Australia, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The deployment wrapped up with a Tiger Cruise from Pearl Harbor, with family and friends coming aboard the ship for the return transit to San Diego and a chance to experience life aboard a U.S. Navy ship.

July 26, "Golden Gator" completed its longest deployment ever, spending 190 days away from its homeport of San Diego.

The Navy announced on January 8, 2004 that more than 200 Marines and 900 Sailors embarked aboard LHD 4 would deploy January 14 from San Diego to the Central Command area of responsibility (AOR) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 force rotation. As part of the OIF 2 FR, the assault ship is providing amphibious lift for a portion of the equipment and personnel from the I Marine Expeditionary Force stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

February 6, The amphibious assault ship arrived in Singapore for a routine port visit. The visit gave the more than 900 Sailors and 200 Marines a chance to enjoy the sights and culture of Singapore while the ship took on stores and conducted personnel changes before continuing on to the Persian Gulf.

Upon arrival in the Persian Gulf, USS Boxer spent five days, from February 19-23, offloading more than 200 U.S. Marine personnel and their equipment onto Kuwait Naval Base. In total, she transported and offloaded 16 CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, 150 trucks with trailers, several aircraft towing vehicles and associated support equipment, and multiple large containers of ammunition.

March 9, LHD 4 arrived at Goa, India, for its first port visit after participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Arabian Gulf. While in port, the ships' approximately 1,100 Sailors and Marines will have a chance to participate in friendship and goodwill activities and interact with local people and officials.

Before traveling to the warmer climate of Hawaii, she completed her final operational mission for the deployment, which was to exchange two landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vehicles that had been brought from San Diego with two from Sasebo. Assault Craft Unit 5 took charge of the two Sasebo LCACs, which she is transporting back to Camp Pendleton, Calif., for a routine overhaul. In Hawaii, the final stop before home, "Golden Gator" embarked several members of the Afloat Training Group, Pacific, to conduct the Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART), which tests her battle readiness.

April 29, The amphibious assault ship returned to its homeport of San Diego after completing a three-and-a-half month deployment in support of troop rotation in Iraq.

October 2004, The Boxer is currently undergoing it's Planned Maintenance Availability in San Diego, Calif.

April 29, 2005 USS Boxer, commanded by Capt. Thomas J. Culora, deployed as a clear demonstration of the Fleet Response Plan (FRP). She is expecting to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre, a combined exercise between U.S. and Australian forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

May 17, LHD 4 arrived at Naval Station Sasebo, Japan, for a routine port visit.

June 1, The amphibious assault ship along with USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) arrived in Darwin May 30 to prepare for their upcoming biennial exercise, Talisman Saber 2005, a joint exercise between U.S. and Australian forces. Talisman Saber will give the crews of the U.S. warships the opportunity to work with a multinational force of more than 16,000 service members to prepare for possible real world events requiring joint operations.

June 8, LHD 4 arrived in Townsville, Australia, in order to prepare for the upcoming biannual Exercise Talisman Saber 2005.

July 5, USS Boxer departed Singapore after a two-day port call. The ship is making a preparation to participate in exercise
Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), an annual series of bilateral military exercises between the United States and various Asian nations. CARAT is designed to improve military readiness and interoperability with countries involved in mission areas of mutual benefit.

July 12, The amphibious assault ship departed Kemaman, Malaysia, after a scheduled four-day port call. USS Boxer returned to Kemaman on 15th after completing the first phase of CARAT exercise.

August 5, LHD 4 returned to Okinawa July 30 to prepare for the third annual Joint Air and Sea Exercise (JASEX), which emphasizes training to support stability throughout the Asian-Pacific region. JASEX will be the third major exercise she has participated since the begining of deployment. During the seven–day exercise, USS Boxer, along with the USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group, U.S. Air Force 18th Wing, 5th Air Force and I Marine Air Wing, will have a unique opportunity to conduct joint training, combining carrier and amphibious operations. JASEX will be the first opportunity for the 844-foot long Boxer to conduct AV-8B Harrier II operations on its current deployment.

August 13, After more than 60 mishap-free flight hours, LHD 4 wrapped up the third annual Joint Air and Sea Exercise 2005 (JASEX 05). The "Golden Gator" arrived in Sasebo, Japan, Aug. 15.

August 25, USS Boxer pulled to Majuro, Marshall Islands, to conduct a community outreach program.

September 7, LHD 4 departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor after a scheduled port visit and will perform Tiger Cruise on it's transit back to San Diego.

September 14, USS Boxer returned to San Diego after four-and-a-half month deployment in the western Pacific.

October 8, The amphibious assault ship pulled to San Francisco port for the 2005 Fleet Week celebration. Fleet Week is a 5-day celebration, and is held annually to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces.

December 8, Capt. Bruce W. Nichols relieved Capt. Thomas J. Culora as Commanding Officer of the "Golden Gator", during a change of command ceremony held aboard the ship.

December 13, LHD 4 is currently at sea conducting shipboard training and flight deck qualifications.

January 16, 2006 USS Boxer is currently off the coast of southern California as a test platform for the Unit Level Training and Assessment program. ULTRA is designed to test the ship's various training teams' capabilities and readiness.

June 6, The amphibious assault ship is currently in the Pacific Ocean making preparations for a fall deployment.

July 12, The "Golden Gator" is currently operating off the coast of southern California in preparation for a western Pacific deployment.

July 22, LHD 4 and the 15th MEU are currently participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise off the West Coast.

July 28, Sailors and Marines with Expeditionary Strike Group Five successfully completed their COMPTUEX off the southern California coast.

August 13, The amphibious assault ship is currently participating in the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of southern California.

September 13, USS Boxer departed Naval Station San Diego for a six-month deployment, with the ESG-5 and the 15th MEU, in support of the Global War on Terrorism in western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

September 23, LHD 4 ESG and attack submarine USS Greenville (SSN 772), conducted Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands Sept. 19-22. This was the fourth such USWEX that CTF 12 has coordinated so far this year. Expeditionary Strike Group Five, commanded by Rear Adm. Mark W. Balmert, pulled into Hawaii Sept. 22. The purpose of the visit was to transfer command from Balmert to Capt. David Angood, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5.

As USS Boxer transited near the Philippines Oct. 9, its combat information center (CIC) worked with other ships of Expeditionary Strike Group to gather information in support of U.S. 7th Fleet's mission of protecting the region and deterring aggression against U.S. forces and its allies. While transiting to U.S. 5th Fleet, which includes the Persian Gulf, Boxer's command and control will stay ready by maintaining a rigorous training schedule and rehearsing geopolitical scenarios. It is also preparing for a joint amphibious exercise with the Indian navy.

October 12, The "Golden Gator" pulled to Singapore for a scheduled port visit.

October 28, USS Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group and the Indian navy's western Fleet began Exercise Malabar 2006 Oct. 25 off the southwest coast of India. More than 6,500 U.S. Navy personnel will take part in Exercise Malabar, which runs through Nov. 5.

November 6, LHD 4 ESG-5 pulled into Mumbai, India, for a visit Oct. 31-Nov. 3 for the in-port phase of Exercise Malabar 2006. During the visit, Boxer hosted tours for Indian naval officers and enlisted sailors.

November 8, USS Boxer ESG entered U.S. 5th Fleet's AOR in support of maritime security operations (MSO).

November 24, The amphibious assault ship visited Manama, Bahrain, Nov. 19-21, for its first port visit since entering the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet AOR. The Boxer is now operating in the North Persian Gulf conducting maritime security operations.

January 8, 2007 LHD 4 revisited Manama, Bahrain, Dec.30 -Jan. 8, following the ship’s longest at-sea period during its current deployment.

February 9, USS Boxer visited the port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates from Jan. 28 through Feb. 2.

March 4, The Boxer’s crew enjoyed the sights and culture of Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 20-25 for the third time during its deployment to the U.S 5th Fleet’s area of operation.

April 14, The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed its return to the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group, after conducting security operations in Iraq since mid-November. The first group arrived on amphibious assault ship April 8. It took several more days to complete the return of nearly 2,000 Marines.

May 3, LHD 4 ESG departed Fremantle, Australia, after a scheduled four-day port visit.

May 21, The "Golden Gator" completed Afloat Training Group Pacific's (ATGPAC) Unit Level Training Assessment-Sustainment (ULTRA-S) May 18, evaluating Boxer's ability to train its crew members and respond to emergencies. Over the course of the three-day process, Boxer Sailors and its training teams were assessed on the ship's damage control, force protection, medical and combat systems capabilities and ability to defend the ship using scenario-driven drills.

May 23, Capt. Matthew J. McCloskey relieved Capt. Bruce W. Nichols as CO of USS Boxer during a change of command ceremony held on the ship’s flight deck. The Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group arrived in Pearl Harbor May 22 for its final port visit.

May 31, USS Boxer returned to San Diego after a nearly nine-month extended deployment.

July 13, The amphibious assault ship is currently off the coast of southern California offloading weapons and ammunition before entering an extended maintenance period to prepare the ship for future operations.

December 12, LHD 4 returned to homeport from a two-day sea trials after completing a twelve-week Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA) period.

January 18, 2008 USS Boxer was back at sea off the southern California coast Jan. 10-16 preparing for its upcoming series of Unit Level Training Assessments (ULTRA) in February.

February 29, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn relieved Vice Adm. Terrance T. Etnyre as a temporary Commander Naval Surface Forces, during a change of command ceremony aboard the Boxer.

March 15, The "Golden Gator" completed certifications March 7-13 for flight deck and well deck operations while at sea conducting training and assessments off the coast of southern California.

April 28, USS Boxer, along with various embarked units and non-governmental organizations (NGO), departed homeport in route to Latin America nations for the Pacific Phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008. Specific locations for the ship's relief operations include Guatemala, El Salvador and Peru. The deployment is scheduled to last through June.

May 6, The amphibious assault ship arrived in Quetzal, Guatemala, for a twelve-day port visit.

May 19, LHD 4 pulled to Acajutla, El Salvador, for the second stop of Continuing Promise '08.

June 7, USS Boxer arrived in Callao, Peru, for a goodwill port call.

June 26, USS Boxer returned to San Diego after a two-month underway period.

September 13, Capt. Mark E. Cedrun relieved Capt. Matthew J. McCloskey as commanding officer of USS Boxer during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship.

September 19, The amphibious assault ship returned home after a four-day underway period, during which the crew conducted training and tested a new shipboard missile guidance system. The Boxer was fitted with a prototype electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera integrated into the missile director system to acquire and engage targets. The system is the first of its kind in the Navy and was used during the underway to successfully fire three RIM-7 NATO Sea Sparrow missiles.

October 16, The "Golden Gator" ESG completed their ten days Expeditionary Strike Group Integration (ESGINT) Exercise, off the coast of southern California, in preparation for the upcoming deployment early next year. Marine Medium Helicopter (HMM) Squadron 163 (Reinforced), embarked aboard the Boxer, is among the first squadrons to operate the new Bell UH-1Y "Huey" helicopter.

December 1, LHD 4 departed San Diego to conduct certification exercise with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.