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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS Boxer (LHD-4)

CAPT. Brian Holmes, USN
Commanding Officer, USS Boxer (LHD 4)

Captain Brian Holmes is a native of Winchester, Massachusetts, and was raised in San Diego, California. A multiple time Ironman, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from Azusa Pacific University, a Master of Science from the University of San Diego and a Master of Arts from the United States Naval War College.

Previous sea duty assignments include HSL-45 deploying on USS Ingraham (FFG 61), USS Oldendorf (DD 972) and USS Rentz (FFG 46); Expeditionary Strike Group Three/Five/Commander Task Force 51/58/59/151/158, where he served as Aide to the Commander while forward deployed to NAVCENT; HSM-71 where he served as the squadron’s Maintenance Officer deploying on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). He returned to HSM-71 in May of 2015 as the Executive Officer and became HSM-71’s eighth Commanding Officer in May of 2016 deploying again on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). During this tour HSM-71 was awarded the Commander, Naval Air Forces Battle “E”, Admiral Jimmy Thach Award for excellence in Naval Aviation, HSM Wing Pacific Golden Wrench, and the Retention Excellence award. Holmes reported onboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) as Executive Officer in July 2022 and assumed command in Sept. 2023.

Ashore and staff assignments include HSM-41 where he served as the SH-60B NATOPS Evaluator for Commander, Naval Air Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet; HSM Weapons School Pacific where he served as the squadron Administrative Officer; Navy Personnel Command where he served as Helicopter Maritime Strike/Commander, Naval Air Forces Placement Officer and PERS 43 Budget Control Officer. Captain Holmes completed his joint duty assignment while assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-8, where he served in both the Program and Budget Analysis and Capability and Acquisition Divisions. Additionally, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for Resources and Acquisition. Following his Joint tour he reported to HSM-41, the west coast MH-60R Fleet Replacement Squadron, serving as the 28th Commanding Officer. During this tour HSM-41 was twice awarded the Theodore Ellyson Aviation Production Excellence award and the Retention excellence award. Following HSM-41, Captain Holmes reported to Commander Naval Air Forces where he served as the Unmanned Aviation Readiness Officer.

Captain Holmes has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours and has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit commendations, service and campaign awards.

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