SECNAV and Arnold Schwarzenegger Rally Troops Aboard Boxer in Dynamic All Hands Call

NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO – On December 4, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited USS Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, to acknowledge the contributions of its crew during their recent deployment in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The visit included a significant moment as former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger received the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award.

Boxer Commanding Officer, Capt. Jason Tumlinson, highlighted the ship’s achievements, noting, “Our Sailors executed numerous complex exercises and engaged in cooperative events with allied nations, contributing to humanitarian efforts that bolster regional security. Hosting Secretary Del Toro fosters recognition for the crew’s hard work.”

Secretary Del Toro, a Navy veteran with over two decades of service, leads nearly one million military and civilian personnel worldwide. He addressed a gathering of over 500 service members, expressing gratitude for their dedication during the Pacific Fleet deployment and their unwavering service to the nation.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, celebrated for his influential contributions beyond Hollywood, received the award for enhancing the portrayal of the U.S. military in entertainment media. Del Toro noted, “His advocacy has brought a greater understanding of the honor and courage of our service members, reflecting more authentic narratives in various media.” Schwarzenegger expressed his admiration, stating, “The true heroes are those who serve in the military.”

Engagement with military and media leaders through Schwarzenegger’s initiatives has fostered accurate representations of Navy and military roles, bridging gaps between the armed forces and civilian communities. The efforts result in more genuine depictions in films and series, aligning public perception with the realities faced by the military.

After the ceremony, Secretary Del Toro and Schwarzenegger spent time with the crew, acknowledging their contributions. The Boxer and elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit recently returned to San Diego from a five-month deployment within the U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleet areas.