SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate, USS McClusky (FFG 41) will depart San Diego for an independent deployment to the 4th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Oct. 5.
McClusky will deploy in support of counter illicit-trafficking (CIT) efforts. A crew of about 30 officers and 210 enlisted Sailors will conduct integrated operations with Joint Interagency Task Force South, based in Key West, Fla., and Coast Guard District 11, based in Alameda, Calif.
Commanded by Cmdr. Mark A. Lakamp, McClusky will deploy with HSL 45 Detachment 3, who will provide aerial support with a SH-60B helicopter and a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment who will conduct boardings and law enforcement operations.
"Our crew is well trained and ready to take on the CIT mission as well as support the 4th Fleet commander's theater security cooperation (TSC) strategy," said Lakamp.
McClusky is credited with more than 20 drug seizures since it began deployments to the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean in 2000. On its most recent surge deployment in the summer of 2008, McClusky disrupted more than eight tons of cocaine bound for the United States.
USS McClusky falls under the command of Destroyer Squadron 1 (DESRON1) led by Capt. Eric C. Young and is one of six Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates in DESRON 1. McClusky will relieve two DESRON 1 ships, the USS Gary (FFG 51) and USS Jarrett (FFG 33). Gary and the Jarrett are currently underway supporting CIT efforts in the 4th Fleet AOR.
McClusky helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50 million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.
