USS Boone Returns to Mayport After Deployment

By Ensign Emily S. Castro, USS Boone Public Affairs Officer

USS Boone visits NYC during Fleet Week in 2002 (US Navy Photo)

USS Boone (FFG 28) and embarked units returned home Oct 5 after six months deployed to the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Boone and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Detachment 2 (Det 2) of Mayport, and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 406 of Miami, returned home to family and friends after conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of focus, which encompasses the Caribbean, Central and South America, and surrounding waters.

During the deployment, Boone transited through the Panama Canal four times, intercepted 3.6 tons of illegal drugs, and rescued 50 migrants while investigating a suspicious vessel. Boone provided the migrants with medical care, showers, shelter, and food before returning them safely to shore.

Boone's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Newman J. Evans, III commented that Boone Sailors have made a difference in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility and said, "Everyone performed superbly over the past six months, and I am very proud of each and every Sailor on Boone."

Boone took short patrol breaks in ports that allowed the crew to experience the culture of Central and South American countries. In Panama, Sailors had the opportunity to fish, tour native villages, surf, and dive. Sailors also participated in a Community Relations (COMREL) project at the Pu Malambo Orphanage in Arraijan, Panama. Boone visited the orphanage, which shelters children infected with the AIDS Virus, and participated in the orphanage's 118th Birthday "Malambado" celebration.

Boone also visited Cartagena, Colombia, and Sailors participated in tours of old Spanish forts, uninhabited islands, and Colombian naval vessels. Boone's Chief Petty Officer's Mess gave Project Handclasp materials to a local orphanage. The materials included toys as well as health and comfort items. Through Project Handclasp, a worldwide humanitarian and goodwill program, the Navy collects donations from various private-sector organizations and companies, and delivers them to people in need. Also while in Colombia, Sailors participated in a basketball game against the crew form the Colombian Navy submarine ARC Pijao (S-28).

Boone conducted numerous training events during their deployment including an Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Training Target (EMATT) exercise to increase antisubmarine warfare proficiency and improve ship and helicopter interaction. Immediately following the EMATT, Boone's boatswain's mates, gunner's mates, and search and rescue (SAR) swimmers conducted a successful recovery of the air-dropped Recoverable Exercise Torpedo (REXTORP).

Boone also pulled into Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, where Sailors had the opportunity to tour ancient Mayan ruins and participate in volleyball, soccer, and basketball games against Sailors from the Guatemalan Navy.

After returning to Panama several times, Boone made their final liberty stop in Cozumel, Mexico, where the crew enjoyed the tropical climate and clear water.

During the deployment, Boone was under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations for Joint Interagency Task Force-South in the SOUTHCOM area of focus. Once the ship returned to Mayport, U.S. 2nd Fleet took over operational control.

NAVSO, the Naval Component Command of SOUTHCOM, directs U.S. Naval Forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interacts with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Various operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

USS Boone Rescues Migrants at Sea

USS Boone (FFG 28) rescued 50 migrants while investigating a suspicious vessel Sept. 3.

Joint Interagency Task Force South directed Boone to deploy its rigid-hull inflatable boat to search a suspicious vessel. Boone's boarding team pulled alongside and was granted permission to board the vessel. When the team investigated, they discovered 50 migrants crowded together aboard the vessel.

Boone's boarding team interviewed the migrants and decided to transport them to the ship for their health and safety. Once aboard Boone, the crew provided the migrants with a medical examination, food, clothing and shower facilities.

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Michael Roggio, one of Boone's search and rescue swimmers, appreciated the opportunity to help the migrants.

"It was a special experience for me to get to do something humanitarian," said Roggio.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Vincent De La Ossa administered medical exams to all of the migrants.

"I am very lucky to help those less fortunate than me," said Ossa.

Boone is deployed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet, and tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S).

Typically, this involves the detection and interdiction of narcotics smugglers; however, the prevention of human trafficking is also a goal for Sailors deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus.

Boone, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is deployed with embarked Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 406.