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By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly Boynton, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs
MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) dropped off 20 tons of seized drugs here Jan. 12, as the ship returns for a brief maintenance period during its counter-narco terrorism deployment in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) and Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South.
The ship deployed in October to patrol the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, supporting the broader effort of U.S. law enforcement agencies and partner nations to interdict illegal contraband. The Bradley will return to sea after the maintenance period to complete its interdiction mission.
“Counter-Narco operations are truly a joint effort,” said Robert G. Bradley Commanding Officer, Cmdr. James Cody. “The information we receive points us in the right direction, the helicopter squadron detachment provides tracking and the U.S. Coast Guard Detachment onboard performs the actual law enforcement actions. With the large area of water we cover, these operations would not happen without all of these players.”
The ship’s seizures were crucial in delivering evidence to U.S. attorneys, aiding prosecution efforts against the accused narcotics smugglers.
NAVSO is the Navy component for SOUTHCOM and directs U.S. naval forces operating in the 16 million square miles of seas and oceans encompassing the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific, and interact with Coast Guards and navies within Latin America to enhance maritime security.
NAVSO coordinated with joint forces to disrupt the smuggling of 99 metric tons of cocaine in 2005, and over 106 metric tons through December 2006, with 2,250 flight hours in support of the counter-narcotics mission.
NAVSO coordinated with joint forces to disrupt the smuggling of 99 metric tons of cocaine in 2005, and over 106 metric tons through December 2006, with 2,250 flight hours in support of the counter-narcotics mission.
-USN-