In 1958 , '' Boxer '' was the flagship during Operation Hardtack , a series of nuclear weapons tests in the central Pacific . Later that year , she was transferred to the Atlantic Fleet , and became part of a new amphibious assault squadron with four Landing Ship Tank vessels equipped with helicopter platforms . The experimental concept would allow for rapid deployment of US Marine Corps personnel and helicopter squadrons . For the remainder of 1958 elements of this force were organized aboard '' Boxer '' and she was reclassified LPH-4 , denoting a " Landing Platform Helicopter " , on 30 January 1959
Operation Hardtack
Operation Hardtack I
USS Boxer (CV-21)