Starbucks Comes Aboard – Sailors Can Get Their Fix on the USS Boxer

Navy personnel aboard the USS Boxer can now get their favorite Starbucks beverage without leaving the amphibious assault ship.

It's the first fully functioning coffee shop serving the Starbucks' line of coffees, teas and smoothies to open on a large-deck amphibious assault ship, according to the Navy.

“Starboxer” is a partnership of Starbucks; Commander, Naval Surface Forces; and the Navy Exchange Command Ship Store Program.

“I worked with Starbucks representatives and several contractors to put this all together,” said Lt. Cmdr. Leon Quarles, the Boxer's assistant supply officer. “We took the basics of Starbucks marketing and applied those principles to the ship.”

He said he wanted to provide premium coffee to the crew while on deployment, “so it's one more thing they won't miss.”

Starbucks baristas trained crew members of the ship, ported at Naval Base San Diego, including Logistics Specialist Seaman Thomas Rios, to use the company's machines.

“I'm excited I was picked to work here,” Rios said. “I think people will be more energized in the morning and look forward to going to the store before work.”

Profits from the establishment, which opened Saturday while the vessel was operating off the coast of California, will go to the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund.

– City News Service