SAN DIEGO — A 2014 Sidney High School Graduate and Sidney, Ohio native recently returned to the United States from an overseas deployment with the largest amphibious warship in the Navy.
Seaman Chantal Ausborn, is a culinary specialist serving aboard USS Boxer (LHD-4), based in San Diego, California.
As a culinary specialist, Ausborn is responsible for food and nutrition management for the crew as well as producing meals, storing meals and the overall food budget.
“It is nice to be able to provide a service that everyone needs,” said Ausborn. “This is great because I get to interact with a variety of people on a daily basis and build relationships.”
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, Ausborn said she is proud to be part of most capable amphibious force in the world.
“Serving on the Boxer during deployment was great because we were able to travel all around the world and experience the cultures of diffferent places,” said Ausborn.
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, Ausborn 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.
“The Navy has helped me gained confidence and leadership skills needed to be able to communicate and interact with people with different backgrounds,” said Ausborn. “I have also learned how to appreciate the little things in life and not take them for granted.”
