The name Boxer comes from His Majesty's Brig Boxer, Captain Samuel Blyth, encountered and captured by the US brig Enterprise, Lieutenant William Burrows, off Portland, Maine, on 5 September 1813.

NS022160: Engagement between the "Enterprise" and "Boxer," from Twenty-Six Historic Ships, by Fredrick Hill (1903).

Four previous US warships had borne the name:

1. A brig.
2. A schooner.
3. A British sidewheel steamer named Tristram Shandy, captured on 15 May 1864 and renamed Boxer on 21 June 1865.
4. A brigantine-rigged training ship.

"Norfolk, Va. (Dec 12, 1944)—The aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) sits poised on the ways at Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. Yard. The Navy's newest carrier is shown ready for her launching on Thursday December 14th. The ship's sponsor will be Miss Ruth D. Overton of Alexandria, La., daughter of U.S. Senator John W. Overton, chairman of the Senate sub-committee on naval appropriations."

Boxer (CV-21) being christened by Miss Ruth D. Overton at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, 14 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-299256).

Boxer (CV-21) sliding down the ways at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company.

Boxer (CV-21) slides down the building ways, during launching ceremonies at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, 14 December 1944. Note banner spread across the front of Boxer's flight deck, proclaiming: "Here We Go to Tokyo! Newport News Shipyard Workers' War Bonds Help to Sink the Rising Sun".

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-299259).

Miss Ruth D. Overton, USS Boxer (CV-21) ship sponsor, at the Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, 14 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-299257).

Captain Donald F. Smith, U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1921, was the first commanding officer of USS Boxer (CV-21), 16 April 1945–3 June 1946.

A rare view of USS Boxer (CV-21) with the starboard 40-mm gun sponsons added amidships. This photo appears to have been taken shortly after WW2. Note PBY Catalinas on flight deck, forward.

Fire on deck, landing crash. Date and location unknown.

USS Boxer (CV-21) underway. Date and location unknown.

Three views of USS Boxer (CV-21) early in her career. Exact date unknown.

The Golden Gate Bridge is visible in the background of photo NS022161b.

Overhead view of USS Boxer (CV-21), 1945, with her air group of 89 planes all spotted on the flight deck. Note the white circle arcs painted on the flight deck near the island; these mark training arcs for the deck-mounted twin 5"/38 enclosed mounts.

Australian War Memorial, photo # 302523.

Entering San Francisco Bay, 1947.

(Digitally restored by Tom Kermen.)

Departing San Francisco. Date unknown.

Landing mishap, circa 1947. This appears to be an AD-1 Skyraider from VA-20A squadron.

Taken in 1948 while entering SF Bay, from a JRF-5 (Grumman Goose) borrowed from NAS Alameda for the occasion.

An excellent aerial view, circa 1948.

USS Boxer (CV-21), ship's band, Chief Petty Officers and Sailors, 1948.

USS Boxer (CV-21) entering San Francisco Bay, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 19 embarked, circa 1948–1949 (maybe 1950?).

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo.

"ONE OF THE FIRST CARRIER TAKEOFFS BY A JET AIRCRAFT—These pictures, provided by Tim Leary, AF2, 1947–49, were taken Monday March 15th, 1948 at sea off San Diego. The aircraft never made it to regular Fleet service and ended its days assigned to Reserve Squadrons in Oakland, CA and in Virginia Beach, VA.It was quite an occasion for us though, signifying a new phase of carrier aviation.'"

"MARCH 10, 1948—According to the Naval History web site, this date marks the first use of jet aircraft assigned to an operational squadron (VF-5A ["Screaming Eagles"]) on board a carrier. That carrier was USS Boxer (CV-21)."

"North American FJ-1 Fury, probably VF-5A 'Screaming Eagles,' USS Boxer (CV-21) circa 1947–1948."

"An FJ-1 Fury of VF-5A on board the USS Boxer off San Diego during March 1948, the first jet carrier operations by a fleet squadron."

This photo appeared in the March 1963 issue of Naval Aviation News.

National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo, # 1996.253.7224.010.

This photo may have been taken in September 1949, when squadron VF-51 "Screaming Eagles" took the F9F-3 Panther aboard USS Boxer (CV-21) off San Diego, Calif.—the first operational landings of the new jet fighter.

USS Boxer (CV-21) photographed from USS Valley Forge (CV-45), while en route from Pearl Harbor to San Diego during Operation Miki in November 1949. Photographed by Ted Huggins.

Courtesy of Ted Huggins, 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 70269).

A Douglas AD-3 Skyraider of Attack Squadron (VA) 195 launches from the carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) circa 1950, loaded with 500-lb (227-kg) and 265-lb (120-kg) bombs. VA-195 launched the only aerial torpedo attack of the Korean War, against the Hwacheon Dam (1 May 1951).

Photo US Navy.

Images and quotes from the March 1950 issue of All Hands magazine.

"Reinforcements have been sent the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet. Constituting a mobile force readily available to support national policy in the Far East, the roving Seventh has been bolstered by the addition of the mighty carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) and the destroyers USS Buck (DD-761) and USS John W. Thomason (DD-760). The addition of these ships brings the total combatant strength of the U.S. Seventh Fleet to one carrier, one heavy cruiser, six destroyers and one submarine."

The carrier and her escorting destroyers will serve as a stabilizing influence in the Western Pacific, the Navy said."

(NS022137)  "A giant crane swings an F8F Bearcat aboard USS Boxer (CV-21) at NAS Alameda as the 27,000-ton carrier prepares to sail to join the Seventh Fleet in Far Eastern waters."

(NS022137a)  "F8F Bearcat is hoisted to flight deck of USS Boxer." An AD Skyraider awaits its turn.

(NS022137b)  "Giant elevators are tested."

(NS022137c)  "OUTWARD BOUND—USS Boxer passes under the Golden Gate Bridge on her way to join the 7th Fleet."

View from the island of USS Boxer (CV-21) underway off the Korean Peninsula in company with another Essex-class carrier, possibly in the first half of 1950.

USS Boxer (CV-21) cruising off the Korean coast in the 1950s.

F4U-4 Corsairs on flight deck, circa 1950–1952.

This happens when you land on the wrong carrier. This F4U-5N Corsair from Composite Squadron (VC) 3 "Blue Nemesis," deployed aboard USS Philippine Sea (CV-47), recovered instead aboard USS Boxer (CV-21), 1950–1953.

Liberty Party from USS Boxer (CV-21) watch SK3 E.O. Sohns while Malayan snake charmer shows how the reptiles should be handled. Photo is dated 4 April 1950.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-422063.

"The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Boxer (CV-21) loads 146 U.S. Air Force North American F-51D Mustang fighters aboard at Naval Air Station Alameda, California (USA), for transportation to East Asia in July 1950. On 14–22 July, the ship carried an emergency shipment of 170 Air Force and Navy aircraft, plus personnel and equipment, to the Korean War zone in a record 8½-day trans-Pacific crossing."

Photo from Assault from the Sea: The Amphibious Landing at Inchon, by Curtis A. Utz, Naval History and Heritage Command, ISBN 0-945274-27-0, p.15.

National Archives and Records Administration photo, # 80-G-418776.

Alameda, California—"FX2-8/4/50—The 27,000-ton aircraft carrier Boxer moves into a berth here today[, 4 August 1950,] after completing a fast round trip to Japan. The carrier made a run from here to Japan in a record time of eight days and seven hours, arriving there July 22. AP Wirephoto from U.S. Navy"

USS Boxer (CV-21), in drydock at Yokosuka, Japan. Bow view after water has been pumped off.

Photo is dated 8 November 1950, but this cannot be correct, as on that date Boxer was en route to San Francisco, nearing the end of her 1950 deployment. She was indeed drydocked at Yokosuka, 5–11 October (maybe 8 October is the correct date?), to remove #4 propeller, that had become inoperative on 15 September, due to the failure of the reduction gear to #4 main engine.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-421981.

Another view, as above.

USS Boxer (CV-21) with her crew spelling out her name on the flight deck, steams past the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay as she returns from her first Korean War deployment, November 1950.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97282).

"(FX2)SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 11[, 1950]—IT'S THE BOXER—The aircraft carrier Boxer, its crew spelling out the ship's name on the flight deck, moves into San Francisco bay today after a long tour of duty in the Orient where its planes saw action in Korea. The ship returned here for a long delayed overhaul. (APWIREPHOTO)(echo71145stf-ekb)"

Same photo as above, colorized by Yu Chu.

"BACK FROM WAR—Members of the crew of the United States Carrier Boxer spell out the name of their ship as the famous vessel steams into the San Francisco Bay after returning from the Korean war zone. The Boxer recently set a new record for crossing the Pacific with a load of Mustang planes."

USS Boxer (CV-21), North Island, San Diego, California, circa 1951.

Korea, 1951. Crewmembers spell out their ship's name and hull number.

With landing gear down, an F9F-2B Panther of VF-721 "Starbusters" (tail code "A") and an F9F-2P Panther of VC-61 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. F fly over USS Boxer (CV-21) off Korea in 1951.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7400.003.

Four F9F-2 Panther jet fighters roar past USS Boxer (CV-21), with dive brakes, landing gear and arresting hooks down, preparing to land on board after returning from a mission over North Korea, 23 June 1951. The planes and their pilots are from Fighter Squadron 721 (VF-721), a Naval Reserve squadron formerly based at Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97281).

Vought F4U-4 Corsair (Bureau No. 81712), of Fighter Squadron 791 (VF-791) makes vapor rings with its propeller as it takes off from USS Boxer (CV-21) for a Korean War air strike. Photo is dated 6 July 1951. Note small bombs under the plane's wings and flight deck distance markings. The Corsair is just passing the 500-foot point.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-431289).

A Grumman F9F Panther is fueled by crewmen on the flight deck of USS Boxer (CV-21), during Korean War operations. The original photograph was released by Commander Naval Forces Far East, under date of 6 July 1951.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the All Hands collection at the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 97061).

"Deck Launch — Visible rings of vapor encircle a Corsair fighter as it turns up prior to being launched from the USS Boxer for a strike against communist targets in Korea. Hovering to the stern of the aircraft carrier, the every-present helicopter plane guard stands by to assist if any emergency arises." Photograph and caption were released in Washington, D.C., on 20 July 1951.

Planes are Vought F4U-4s. Helicopter is a Sikorski HO3S.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97286).

"ONE HUNDRED-POUND general purpose bombs aboard the USS Boxer off Korea are checked by airman Phillip Holiday of Hot Springs, Ark. The bombs are used by the Boxer's planes."

The Daily Record, Dunn, N.C., Tuesday, 17 July 1951.

Two F4U-5N Corsair fighters of squadron VC-3 fly past the carrier, during combat operations off Korea. Photo is dated 4 September 1951. These planes are Bureau #s 124537 (left) and 124539. Their pilots are Lt. John D. Ely, USNR, and Lt(JG) J.G. Stranlund, USNR.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-433005).

Also dated 4 September 1951, official caption for this photo reads: "F4U's (Corsairs) returning from a combat mission over North Korea circle the USS Boxer as they wait for planes in the next strike to be launched from her flight deck—a helicopter hovers above the ship. September 4, 1951. (Navy) NARA FILE #: 080-G-433002 WAR & CONFLICT BOOK #: 1414."

These planes are F4U-4's assigned to VF-884 "Bitter Birds," a reserve squadron called to active duty on 20 July 1950.

Two more official US Navy photographs dated September 4, 1951. Carrier Air Group 101 (CVG-101), tail code "A," was aboard USS Boxer (CV-21) for her second deployment to Korea and WestPac, March 2 – October 24, 1951. Four reserve squadrons were called to active duty on July 20, 1950 and joined CVG-101 for this cruise, namely: VF-721 (with F9F-2B Panthers), VF-791 and VF-884 (F4U-4 Corsairs), and VA-702 (AD-2 and AD-4Q Skyraiders.)

If the photos were really taken on September 4, the coast in the background would probably be Korea — Boxer, however, had also been patroling the Formosa Straits, April 8–15.

(Photo NS022126a is US Navy photograph #USN-435061.)

Ship's HO3S-1 helicopter (Bureau # 123134) landing after an air-sea rescue mission, during operations off Korea. Photo is dated 13 September 1951.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-430680).

"TRIO OF JETS [F9F-2B Panthers from VF-721 'Iron Angels'], back from a Korean strike, circle USS Boxer as men below prepare the flight deck to take them aboard." From All Hands magazine, November 1951 issue.

"Men of USS Boxer take a unique way of showing they gave 2377 pints of blood during recent drive." From All Hands magazine, December 1951 issue.

USS Boxer (CV-21) Hangar Deck Fire, 5 August 1952 (6 August 1952, local time, as recorded in Boxer's Action Report). Ordnancemen strip live 20mm ammunition from a damaged F9F Panther fighter, while firefighters bring the blaze under control. Boxer was then operating off Korea.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-445593.

Yokosuka, Japan, 14 August 1952. USS Boxer (CV-21) undergoing repairs after a hangar deck fire sustained the previous week.

A Douglas AD-2Q Skyraider from Composite Squadron (VC) 35 "Night Hecklers," used as a drone aircraft controller, leaves Boxer's starboard catapult as deck crew at the port catapult ready a bomb-loaded radio-controlled Grumman F6F-5K for launch, 2 September 1952. The Hellcat drone attacks anticipated the Navy's employment of cruise missiles in later wars, and were undertaken by Guided Missile Unit 90.

U.S. Naval Institute photo.

"HOME FROM KOREA. The United States airplane carrier Boxer arrived at San Francisco yesterday [26 September 1952] from her third and most historic tour of duty in Korean waters. Hellcat fighter planes as guided missiles were used recently from the Boxer in strikes against Red targets in Korea."

Several AD-4 Skyraider variants, apparently of Fighter Squadron (VF) 194 "Main Battery" (side numbers 4xx) and VA-195 "Dambusters" (5xx) on the deck of USS Boxer (CVA-21) circa 1953.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.254.2894.

Same as above, from a different angle.

AD-4NA Skyraider, VF-194 "Main Battery." This squadron (redesignated VA-196 in 1955) deployed aboard USS Boxer (CVA-21) in 1953.

Another Skyraider, as above.

This appears to be an F4U-4 Corsair from Fighter Squadron (VF) 44 "Hornets." The squadron cross-decked from USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39) on 30 June 1953.

A squadron mate. It appears to be BuNo 97369, which was (still is?) on display at the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps, Triangle, VA.

Another squadron mate.

Possibly an F9F-2 Panther attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 52 "Sealancers." The squadron deployed to WestPac aboard USS Boxer in 1953.

F9F-2 Panther, Fighter Squadron (VF) 151 "Black Knights." The squadron deployed to WestPac aboard USS Boxer in 1953.

As above.

Appears to be an F2H-2P Banshee attached to Composite Squadron (VC) 61 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. H.

Appears to be USS Boxer (CVA-21), with an F9F-2 Panther attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 52 "Sealancers" in the center background.

Then Lieutenant Commander Judson Charles Davis.

ATG-1 Panthers parked aft aboard USS Boxer (CVA-21) in 1953. Besides VF-111, other F9Fs belonged to VF-52 (S200 modexes) and VF-151 (H300). However, the "Sundowners" F9F-5s had difficulty operating with Boxer's old model catapults so the squadron cross-decked to USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39) to complete the deployment. Photo courtesy of Archibald McCleish via Henk van der Lugt.

Photo and text from VF-11/111 "Sundowners" 1942–95 (Aviation Elite Units #36), by Barrett Tillman.

Task Force 77 replenishing during operations off Korea. The carrier in the foreground is USS Boxer (CVA-21), taking on fuel from an oiler, which is also fueling a destroyer. Two other carriers, several destroyers and another replenishment ship are following. Photo is dated 2 June 1953.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-639487).

USS Boxer (CVA-21) operating off North Korea in July 1953. Her flight deck crew is respotting aircraft in preparation for recovery of her last strike. Another aircraft carrier and the battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) are steaming ahead of Boxer.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-625876).

"Boxer Tribute — While Panther jets rest on the catapults in readiness, officers and men of the carrier USS Boxer (CVA-21) uncover to pay tribute to pilots and crewmembers of the ship who gave their lives during the Korean War." Photograph and caption were released by Commander Naval Forces Far East under date of 9 August 1953.

Plane on the port catapult is a Grumman F9F of Fighter Squadron 151 (VF-151).

NS022125: Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97287.

NS022125a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 330-PS-6118 (USN 626148).

Official US Navy photograph taken from the Golden Gate Bridge as USS Boxer (CVA-21) arrives home after her fourth and final Korean deployment, March 30 – November 28, 1953. Air Task Group 1 (ATG-1) was embarked — Air Task Groups were non-commissioned units formed with squadrons transferred from regular Carrier Air Groups.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 67430).

Official caption reads: "USS Boxer (CVA-21) in port, 18 November 1953. Probably taken in San Francisco Bay, California, upon her return from the Far East."

Note: Official date for this photograph cannot be correct. There is a group of F9F-6 Cougars parked forward on the flight deck, but there were no Cougars aboard Boxer during her 1953 deployment, as former crewmembers recall and is documented in "United States Naval Aviation 1910-1995" (published by the Naval Aviation History Office), Appendix 25, page 699. On the other hand, the large "dish" of an SK-2 air search radar, clearly visible on the island, shows the photo was taken no later than 1954, since by early 1955 it had been replaced by an SPS-6B. Therefore, this picture was most likely taken during Boxer's 1954 deployment (March 3-October 11), with the Cougars of VF-121, part of CVG-12, aboard.

Special thanks go to the following people who helped in the research: Bob Brozovich, VF-151 (who pointed out the error in the first place); LCDR Alan Bedford, USNR (Ret.); Mr. Hill Goodspeed, Historian, National Museum of Naval Aviation; and ADM James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.), who in 1953 was Commanding Officer, VF-52, aboard Boxer.

Official U.S. Navy photograph of USS Boxer (CVA-21) probably taken off Korea in 1954. Boxer and Carrier Air Group (CVG) 12 deployed to WestPac, March 3–October 11.

"USS Boxer (CVA-21) MANILA BAY, P.I. (5 October 1954) Change of Command Ceremony, Captain James H. Mills, Jr., USN relieved Captain B.E. Moore, USN. The Boxer was on her 6th Westpac deployment: 3 March 1954–11 October 1954, with Carrier Air Group 12 (Tailcode 'D') on board."

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet, U.S. Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego 35, California.

CVG-12 consisted of VF-121 "Peacemakers" and VF-122 "Black Angels" flying F9F-6 Cougars; VF-124 flying F9F-2 Panthers; VA-125 "Rough Riders" flying AD-4B/4NA Skyraiders; a detachment from VC-61 "Eyes of the Fleet" flying F9F-6P Cougars; detachments from VC-35 "Night Hecklers" and VC-11, flying AD-4NL/4W Skyraiders; and a detachment from HU-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" flying HO3S-1's.

USS Boxer steams past the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay as she returns from a WestPac deployment, October 1954.

USS Boxer (CVA-21) steams past the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay, 1954.

USS Boxer (CVA-21) antenna arrangement, tilting transmitter whips forward starboard. San Francisco Naval Shipyard photo (#NY1-530-L-2-55), 24 February 1955.

USS Boxer (CVA-21) antenna arrangement, tilting transmitter whips aft starboard. San Francisco Naval Shipyard photo (#NY1-531-L-2-55), 24 February 1955.

USS Boxer (CVA-21) antenna arrangement, looking forward from centerline of island. San Francisco Naval Shipyard photo (#NY1-532-L-2-55), 24 February 1955.

USS Boxer (CVA-21) antenna arrangement, looking aft from port. San Francisco Naval Shipyard photo (#NY1-534-L-2-55), 24 February 1955.

USS Boxer (CVA-21) antenna arrangement, looking to starboard and aft. San Francisco Naval Shipyard photo (#NY1-535-L-2-55), 24 February 1955.

USS Boxer (CVA-21) antenna arrangement, starboard elevation. San Francisco Naval Shipyard photo (#NY1-537-L-2-55), 24 February 1955.

USS Boxer (CVA-21), circa 1955.

Crewmembers spell out "Boxer 75,000 Landings" on the flight deck to commemorate reaching that milestone in the ship's career. The landing was made on November 19, 1955 by Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Charles R. Smith, and his crewman, Roland W. Parker, flying an AD Skyraider of Composite Squadron 35. The original photograph was released by Commander Naval Forces Far East on November 28, 1955.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97283).

USS Boxer (CVS-21), 1956.

NS022176a: Roster of officers, COMCARDIV FIFTEEN and USS Boxer (CVS-21), 1 September 1956.

Two official US Navy photographs taken in 1956–1957, during Boxer's only deployment as an Antisubmarine Warfare Support Carrier (CVS). S2F-1 Trackers of VS-23 are parked aft, and HSS-1 Sea Bats of HS-4 are forward and amidships. It's obvious that this was a period of change-over between the old (glossy sea blue) and the new (light gull gray and glossy insignia white) paint schemes.

USS Boxer (CVS-21), Hong Kong, 1956–57, with S2F-1/2 Trackers from VS-23 "Black Cats" parked on deck.

C.E. "Red" Gorham Jr. throughout the Pacific, 1943–1947.

Nicholas J. Ferrentino was appointed a Boilerman Third Class on 16 April 1952.

"Airdales," USS Boxer (CV-21). Charles E. Ward, Jr., is in these pictures; he was a Seaman (S/1c), USS Boxer, 1 June 1945–7 October 1947.

Left column lists names of men in the top row, left to right; and men in the second row from top.

Right column lists third row from top, and bottom row.

Charles E. Ward, Jr. (left) and buddies.

Charles E. Ward, Jr. (left) and buddies.

Bark of the Boxer, (1 June 1945?), pages 4–5, 7–10.

USS Boxer (CV-21) Christmas Card, 1946(?).

USS Boxer (CV-21) Christmas Card, circa 1950–1952.

"USS Boxer CV 21 Oriental Cruise Jan–June 1950" (cover).

(Digitally enhanced by Tom Kermen.)

Thanksgiving Menu, 1951.

Welcome Aboard Booklet for Scout Day, 12 February 1955. Held at the U.S. Naval Shipyard San Francisco, CA.

This is not an ordinary Welcome Aboard Booklet. This one was for a specific day only.

USS Boxer (CV-21) is seen for a few seconds in Submarine Command (1951. Starring William Holden, Nancy Olson, William Bendix and Don Taylor; directed by John Farrow), as the CO of the fictional submarine USS Tiger Shark is transferred from the boat to the aircraft carrier. (Thanks to jP, MTC(SS)).

Although Flat Top was mostly filmed aboard USS Princeton (CV-37), John notes: "Boxer is in that movie because my Dad is clearly shown operating a circular saw while repairing the deck, allegedly secondary to a crash. My Dad told me it was really from jet trials. The jets would damage the deck and blow the caulking out."

USS Boxer (CVA-21) is seen for about 20" at the end of the film "Kiss Them for Me" (1957. Starring Cary Grant and Jayne Mansfield; directed by Stanley Donen). (Thanks to LTC Bob Koester).

Three Skyraiders assigned to Attack Squadron 125 (VA-125), "Rough Raiders," are seen taking off from the ship. VA-125 was part of Carrier Air Group 12 (CVG-12) and deployed aboard Boxer in 1954 — this footage must have been shot at that time.