'Starboxer' Opens aboard USS Boxer

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- Starboxer, a nuance of Starbucks, made its grand opening on amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) while underway off the coast of California Feb. 9.

This is the first time a fully functioning coffee shop serving Starbucks' line of coffees, teas and smoothies opened on a large-deck amphibious assault ship.

Boxer partnered with Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Boxer's Navy Type Commander, Navy Exchange Command Ship Store Program and the Starbucks Coffee Company to aid in the creation of Starboxer.

All profits will go to the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund.

Its mission is to provide a premium-quality of coffee service to the crew, said Lt. Cmdr. Leon Quarles, assistant supply officer of the ship.

"I worked with Starbucks representatives and several contractors to put this all together," said Quarles. "We took the basics of Starbucks marketing and applied those principles to the ship."

Recently, Starbucks baristas came aboard Boxer to train selected crew members on how to operate the Starbucks machines, said Quarles.

"I'm excited I was picked to work here," said Logistics Specialist Seaman Thomas Rios, a Starboxer barista. "I think people will be more energized in the morning and look forward to going to the store before work."

The crew may use their Navy Cash cards to purchase any product from Starboxer during normal working hours.

Quarles added that he doesn't want Sailors to miss the things from home when they get underway.

"So, it's one more thing they won't miss," said Quarles.

For more news from USS Boxer (LHD 4), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.