Underwood Recovers 49 Bales of Drugs from Caribbean Sea

By Lt. Stephanie Homick, U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

USS UNDERWOOD, At Sea (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), recovered 49 bales of narcotics from the Caribbean Sea during Operation Martillo, Aug. 3.

Underwood pursued a "go-fast" speed boat late Tuesday evening, Aug. 2, but it dumped its load before Underwood was able to effect a boarding. A Customs and Border Protection maritime patrol aircraft flying overheard, reported the "go-fast" dumping packages over the side and informed Underwood, who marked the position of the debris field in order to locate the packages in daylight.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Miguel Aponte, a member of the bridge watch team, spotted the first bale in the water around 8:15 a.m. Underwood Sailors manned the boat deck and loaded a team, including two members of an onboard U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), into a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB). Over the next few hours, Sailors aboard Underwood used binoculars to search the surrounding area for more bales while the RHIB team recovered anything spotted in the water.

"Right off the bat, we just start picking up bales that were floating in our area," said a member of the LEDET. "After that, the ship vectored us in to different sections that they could see from a further distance and then also the helo [helicopter] vectored us in."

An SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Vipers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Eight Detachment Three (HSL-48.3) launched to assist the search from the air.

"Initially we took off, were given two initial points to go between, searching back and forth using a linear pattern," said Lt. j.g. Lance Herdon, one of the SH-60B pilots that flew the mission. "We got vectored in by the ship after calculating set and drift. We went to that area and began spotting the packages. We called back the position back to the ship and they began directing the RHIB over in that area. We orbited the area and continued to find more packages."

In the end, Underwood recovered approximately 1,225 kilograms of narcotics.

"Going wholesale price is $22,500 per kilo. So estimated with 49 bales and 25 kilos per bale, we estimate about $27.5 million" worth of narcotics recovered today, according to a Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) Special Agent familiar with the case.

Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') is a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus.

Led by Joint Interagency Task Force (JITF) South, a component of U.S Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative. Fourteen countries are participating: Canada, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain,United Kingdom and the United States.

JIATF South is a multiservice, multiagency national task force which conducts counter-illicit trafficking operations and intelligence fusion to detect, monitor, and handoff suspected illicit trafficking targets to law enforcement activities; promotes security cooperation and coordinates country team and partner nation initiatives in order to defeat the flow of illicit traffic.

Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

USS Nimitz Coordinates Counter Narcotics Seizure

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Winn, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) coordinated efforts with USS Princeton (CG 59), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 75 and the Mexican navy to retrieve 186 bales of marijuana, June 16, which were apparently destined for the United States.

"The coordinated response of all hands involved was phenomenal," remarked Nimitz Strike Group Commander Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao. "The combined efforts of each of our strike group components demonstrated the flexibility and capability that defines how we conduct business."

"This crew's response was amazing," said USS Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth. "To operationally shift gears quickly and safely from carrier qualifications to a real-world response shows what true professionals work here."

At approximately 1:50 p.m., USS Nimitz starboard lookouts, spotted two surface vessels, or contacts, approximately four nautical miles away and reported the contacts up the chain of command. The USS Nimitz crew then coordinated with HSC-6 to send MH-60S Seahawk helicopter 613 to perform a visual identification (VID) on the vessels.

"The [helicopter] was already in the air acting as plane guard for flight ops," said USS Nimitz' tactical action officer at the time. "When the Seahawk got overhead, they reported two white single engine boats about 25 feet in length, which immediately began dumping black hefty bags over the side. The small boats raced up to about 25 knots and fled to the east."

As the two small vessels fled at 2:22 p.m., USS Princeton, part of Carrier Strike Group 11, sent their rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) to investigate and retrieve the bags as evidence.

Eighty bales of marijuana, each weighing approximately 100 pounds, were recovered at that time.

At 5:05 p.m. USS Nimitz' officer of the deck spotted a small craft at approximately three nautical miles, which also appeared to be dumping in the sea. The USS Princeton positioned HSM-75's Lone Wolf 722, which is assigned to the USS Princeton, flying as a spotter for the rigid hull inflatable boats, or RHIBs, for further investigation. This caused those craft to flee as well.

"I thought it was pretty cool," said an HSC-6 pilot in the air at the time of the second spotting. "Most of the time we're a just-in-case asset. It was cool to be part of a situation where none of our guys got hurt and we were able to be a part of something bigger."
USS Princeton and a Mexican naval ship that came on scene retrieved more than 186 bales. The bales were then transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Edisto for transport to shore.

The USS Nimitz Strike Group is operating in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California conducting carrier qualification operations.

USS Nicholas Supports Drug Interdiction

By Lt. Matt Phillips, USS Nicholas Public Affairs

USS NICHOLAS, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) assisted partner nation forces with the interdiction of a vessel carrying nearly 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $363 million, in the eastern Pacific May 6.

The interdiction was conducted as part of Operation Martillo, a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus. 'Martillo' is the Spanish word for 'hammer.'

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection P-3 Orion initially detected the speedboat, "El Kike," and then turned over tracking to a helicopter from Nicholas. The helicopter tracked the suspect "go-fast" vessel until Nicholas was in position to make a coordinated approach with the helicopter. The go-fast vessel then stopped, jettisoned approximately half of its cargo, then turned and made best speed to Colombia.

Nicholas, with embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), adjusted course while contacting nearby forces - USS McClusky (FFG 41) and Colombian navy ship ARC 20 de Julio for assistance. A helicopter attached to McClusky maintained surveillance of the go-fast and was able to divert the speedboat into Colombian territorial waters where it was interdicted by the Colombian navy.

"With the help of some friends, we accomplished what we set out to do - disrupt the drug trade," said Cmdr. Stephen Fuller, commanding officer of Nicholas. "Interdictions are challenging, but with the help of McClusky, [U.S.] Customs, and the Colombian navy, we executed a successful operation."

U.S. military participation in Operation Martillo is being led by Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a component of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

USS Elrod Recovers 4,840 Pounds of Drugs in Caribbean

U.S Navy and Coast Guard personnel assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG-55) signal toward narcotics bales April 21, 2012 during recovery operations in the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andy Barrera/Released)

USS ELROD, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG 55) with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) recovered 89 bales of cocaine in support of Operation Martillo on April 20 in the Western Caribbean Sea.

An SH-60B Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 60 Det. 3, embarked on board Elrod responded after receiving a transmission from a P-3 operated by U.S. Customs Border Protection.

Elrod joined in pursuit, along with authorities from Panama, as two 40-foot twin-engine vessels tried to evade authorities in the waters of the Western Caribbean, resulting in the drugs being subsequently jettisoned into the sea.

The Navy-Coast Guard response team recovered 89 bales of cocaine, weighing 4,840 pounds, with an estimated value of more than $362 million.

"I am very proud of the teamwork and collaborative effort between the ship, our air detachment and our USCG Law Enforcement Detachment," said Cmdr. Jack Killman, Elrod's commanding officer. "Our mission is clear; to disrupt illicit trafficking that jeopardizes the safety in the region and ultimately our own national security."

This seizure is in addition to the 1,000 lbs. recovered by Elrod March 22.

Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') is a U.S., European and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus. U.S. military participation is being led by Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a component of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations. It does so by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

N.D. Aviators Serving on Rotations to the Southwest Border

BISMARCK, N.D. —Soldiers with the North Dakota Army National Guard have been serving on the on the U.S.-Mexico border as a way to provide continued support to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Their mission began in February and is expected to continue until the end of the year. An OH-58 Kiowa helicopter and crew of two pilots along with an aircraft maintainer will serve one- to three-month rotations.

"The aviators from North Dakota will gain a tremendous amount of experience by flying in an austere environment different from what they are used to here at home, said Maj. Paul Helten, supervisory instructor pilot with the North Dakota Army Guard. "This will require constant attention to power management and other hot-weather-flying techniques."

The aviators will also benefit in other ways while also bringing already-honed experience with them.

"They will also benefit from joint operations experience by working with the other federal agencies," said Helten. "Our aviators work closely with our local law enforcement here in North Dakota, and their security and support battalion experience will prove valuable during this operation."

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, N.D. Army National Guard aviators have served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo and Djibouti (Horn of Africa).

"North Dakota Army Aviation continues to try to provide the best possible support to our state and our nation, whether through deployments overseas, across the nation or right here in North Dakota supporting local or state emergencies," Helten said. "Our ability to support state or local emergencies will not be affected by this (border patrol) mission."

USS Gary Deploys in Support of Counter Illicit-trafficking

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate, USS Gary (FFG 51) departed San Diego for an independent deployment to the 4th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Feb. 4.

A crew of about 25 officers and 200 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. Christopher J. Budde, Gary will operate in support of counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) efforts, conducting counter-narco-terrorism operations.

Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43, Det. 6, is embarked aboard Gary and will provide aerial support with an SH-60B helicopter. HSL 43, Det. 6, is joined by a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment who will conduct boarding and law enforcement operations.

"Due to the constantly evolving nature of narcotics smuggling, USS Gary always expects to encounter new tactics employed by traffickers," said Budde. "We will be tested in all warfare areas as we deter and disrupt the movement of illicit narcotics over the sea."

"Keeping illegal substances off our shores is our number one goal. No matter what we encounter I know the crew of the Gary is ready," he continued.

USS Gary falls under the command of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, led by Cmdre. Peter M. Driscoll and is one of two Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates in DESRON 7. Gary will relieve USS Jarrett (FFG 33). Jarrett is currently assigned to DESRON 1 and is underway supporting counter-illicit-trafficking efforts in the 4th Fleet AOR.

On its most recent deployment to the Eastern Pacific in the spring of 2009, Gary disrupted more than 6.5 metric tons of cocaine bound for the United States. Gary is expecting to participate in community and cooperative partnership building in addition to their counter narcotics mission.

Gary 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.

USS Doyle, Coast Guard Law Enforcement Team Seize Cocaine Shipment

USS DOYLE, At Sea (NNS) -- A U.S. Coast Guard boarding team and Navy crew members operating from the USS Doyle (FFG 39) discovered more than 600 kilos of cocaine during counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) Area of Responsibility Dec. 6.

Doyle intercepted the 60-foot long fishing vessel Rio Tuira in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean approximately 180 miles off the coast of Panama. A Navy-Coast Guard boarding team recovered 22 bales of cocaine, weighing approximately 499 kilos (1,100 pounds) worth an estimated $15.4 million wholesale value.

The drugs were seized by a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment from Tactical Law Enforcement Team South. Five suspected smugglers were taken into custody. Criminal prosecution of this case will be shared between the United States and Panama.

Doyle is currently deployed under operational control to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO)/C4F, conducting CIT operations in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South, U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and U.S. Coast Guard District 11.

COMUSNAVSO is the naval component commander for USSOUTHCOM and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the Area of Responsibility. COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including theater security cooperation, partnership building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations and CIT operations. U.S. law enforcement in the Eastern Pacific drug transit zone are conducted under the authority of U.S. Coast Guard District 11 headquartered in Alameda, Calif.

Freedom Achieves Third Caribbean Drug Seizure

USS FREEDOM, At Sea (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) achieved its third drug seizure March 11, disrupting a high-speed "go-fast" vessel and recovering 2 1/4 tons of cocaine during counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in U.S. 4th Fleet's Area of Responsibility.

While patrolling with embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, the Litorral Combat Ship Surface Warfare Mission Package and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, Freedom detected a suspected drug vessel and began pursuit at high speed.

Freedom deployed a response team of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to intercept the vessel, which jettisoned its illicit cargo in the southern Caribbean Sea.

An MH-60S Sea Hawk from Freedom forced the go-fast to beach itself. Local officials later confiscated the vessel.

The Navy-Coast Guard response team recovered 72 bales of cocaine, weighing 2,127 kilos (4,680 pounds), from the water.

Freedom's third successful drug interdiction was made possible by the coordinated actions of the Navy, U.S. Coast Guard District 7 and Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S).

During its first two successful CIT seizures in the Caribbean, Feb. 22 and March 3, Freedom seized a total of one "go-fast" vessel, five suspects and more than 1,700 kilos of cocaine.

Freedom, which will be homeported in San Diego, is currently on its maiden deployment in the Caribbean and the coasts of Central and South America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. Freedom is conducting CIT operations in support of JIATF-S, U.S. Southern Command and Coast Guard District 7.

Freedom Intercepts Drug Vessel In Caribbean, Makes Second Narcotics Seizure

ABOARD USS FREEDOM, At Sea (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), conducting counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of focus, intercepted and captured a high-speed "go-fast" vessel carrying more than 1 1/2 tons of cocaine on March 3.

The late-night seizure of the "go-fast," its illicit cargo and five suspected drug smugglers was the second narcotics seizure in 10 days for Freedom and its embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET). It also marked Freedom's first apprehension of personnel suspected of narcotics trafficking and their vessel.

Freedom was on routine patrol when it intercepted a suspected drug vessel, and launched an MH-60S. The "go-fast" attempted to elude the MH-60S, but Freedom closed on the vessel and intercepted it, forcing the suspects to stop. Freedom then launched a response team of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to apprehend the suspects and secure the vessel and its illegal cargo.

A search of the vessel yielded 51 bales of cocaine weighing 1,506 kilos (3,315 pounds), all seized by the LEDET as evidence in preparation for possible criminal prosecution. The five suspects were taken into custody aboard Freedom.

The coordinated actions of the Navy, Coast Guard and JIATF-S were instrumental to the successful interdiction of narcotics.

Freedom's first CIT seizure came on Feb. 22, when it disrupted a high-speed "go-fast" vessel and recovered more than a quarter of a ton of cocaine from the western Caribbean Sea.

Freedom, which will be homeported in San Diego, is currently on its maiden deployment in the Caribbean and the coasts of Central and South America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet. Freedom is conducting CIT operations in support of JIATF-S, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and U.S. Coast Guard District Seven.

Freedom Interrupts Drug Delivery in Western Caribbean

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, embarked aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), hovers over the position of illicit drugs dumped overboard by the crew of a high-speed "go-fast" vessel. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Freedom, left, and Colombian navy sailors in a patrol boat search the area beneath the helicopter. Freedom's boarding team recovered 247 kilos of cocaine from the Caribbean Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Ed Early/Released)

USS FREEDOM, At Sea (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Freedom (LCS 1) achieved its first drug seizure Feb. 22 when it disrupted a high-speed "go-fast" vessel and recovered more than a quarter of a ton of cocaine.

Freedom, with embarked Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, an LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package and a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), was conducting counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) operations in U.S. 4th Fleet's Area of Responsibility when its crew located the vessel.

A MH-60S Sea Hawk from HSC 22 responded quickly and coordinated with Freedom and air assets from Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) to provide location data on the surface target of interest.

Following interception by the MH-60S, the vessel jettisoned its illicit cargo in the western Caribbean Sea. The "go-fast" subsequently entered Colombian waters, where the Colombian Navy took over the tracking and pursuit mission.

A response team of Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Freedom coordinated with a Colombian Navy patrol boat and Colombian patrol aircraft to retrieve seven bales and 72 kilos of cocaine from the water. The drugs were seized by the LEDET as evidence in preparation for possible criminal prosecution.

The coordinated actions of the Navy, Coast Guard and JIATF-S with Colombian surface and aviation assets were instrumental to the successful interdiction of narcotics.

"Our combined team of ship's crew, (LCS Surface Warfare) Mission Package, aviation detachment and Coast Guard LEDET showed great teamwork and resolve," said Cmdr. Randy Garner, Freedom's commanding officer.

One of the unique features of the LCS is the flexibility and adaptability to configure from one warfare specialty to another – called "mission packages." Freedom currently is configured with its LCS Surface Warfare Mission Package, designed to combat small, fast-boat threats to the fleet.

Freedom, which will be homeported in San Diego, is currently on its maiden deployment in the Caribbean and the coasts of Central and South America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. Freedom is conducting CIT operations in support of JIATF-S, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Coast Guard District 7.

USS McClusky Deploys in Support of Counter Illicit-trafficking

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.

CTF 150 Seizes 10 Tons of Narcotics

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Coalition forces operating in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, seized approximately 10 tons of narcotics July 7 with an estimated value of $70 million.

A U.S. Navy maritime patrol (P-3) aircraft and a British warship located and tracked the vessel in the Gulf of Aden and then the crew from the UK ship boarded the dhow approximately 150 miles southeast of Salalah, Oman. This drug seizure is the largest by coalition naval forces in 2009.

"The seizure of these drugs takes money out of the hands of those financing terrorists in the region," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "The smugglers need to know that coalition forces are patrolling the seas and skies above. These efforts send a message to all would-be smugglers that we are here and we won't tolerate drug trafficking in international waters."

During the boarding, coalition Sailors discovered the drugs in vessels operating along the so-called 'Hash Highway' and destroyed large quantities of narcotics.

CTF 150 forces have seized more than 18 tons of narcotics during 2009, highlighting the continual presence in the region and the commitment to creating and maintaining a lawful maritime order. In 2008, CTF 150 seized more than 53 tons of narcotics.

CTF 150 is a multinational task force that conducts maritime security operations (MSO) in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The task force was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling and deter other destabilizing activities to develop security in the maritime environment and create a lawful maritime order.

MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seeks to disrupt violent extremist use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. Through training opportunities with regional partners, CTF 150 enhances existing cooperative relationships which aim to support regional countries' struggles against violent extremism.

Gary Deploys for Counter-Trafficking Mission

USS Gary (FFG 51) and embarked Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 45 Detachment (Det) 2 departed April 8 for a deployment supporting counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The frigate's mission will be to counteract trafficking in illegal substances and halt illegal activities. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 103 will conduct boarding and seizure missions aboard suspected trafficking vessels during the deployment. CIT operations are joint efforts designed to support participating nation's drug control programs.

Gary completed an extensive maintenance, upkeep and rigorous training cycle in preparation for the deployment. Gary is commanded by Cmdr. Daniel J. Senesky and the ship falls under Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1, led by Capt. Michael W. Selby, commodore, who saw the Gary off at her departure.

He commended the Sailors for their hard work during the past several months, which included a successful Board of Inspection and Survey material inspection that certified the frigate fit for sustained combat operations.

Gary's mission will directly support the U.S. maritime strategy by providing sustained interdiction operations and promoting cooperative relationships with the Coast Guard to provide a layered defense of the homeland.

USS De Wert Intercepts 3.6 Metric Tons of Cocaine

USS DE WERT, At Sea (NNS) -- While on patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, units assigned to the U.S. Navy's 4th Fleet and the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a fishing vessel carrying over three metric tons of cocaine Sept. 20.

The combined team of USS De Wert (FFG 45), with embarked helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 46 Detachment 1, and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 101 intercepted the fishing vessel in a nighttime interdiction, capturing seven suspected narcotics smugglers and the large cargo of cocaine with an estimated import value of $96 million.

While De Wert was coming alongside the fishing vessel experienced a mechanical problem and LEDET 101 and De Wert's Rescue and Assistance Team were deployed to render assistance and to ensure the safety of the vessel's crew. Subsequent to the rendering of assistance, a search of the vessel revealed 145 bales of cocaine. The narcotics were seized under the authority of the Coast Guard LEDET.

This seizure comes just a week after Sailors from USS McInerney (FFG 8) and LEDET 404, in conjunction with Patrol Squadron 26, intercepted a self-propelled semi submersible in the Eastern Pacific Ocean carrying over seven metric tons of cocaine.

The coordinated actions of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) were instrumental to the successful interdiction of narcotics.

De Wert, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is deployed in Latin America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/ U.S. 4th Fleet, conducting counter illicit trafficking operations in support of JIATF-South, U.S. law enforcement and participating nations drug control policy.

De Wert is also supporting the U.S. Maritime Strategy by conducting theater security cooperation events, such as community relation projects Project Handclasp distributions, in the Caribbean and Latin America.

HSL-42, USS Kauffman Maritime Operations Enhance Regional Security

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class J.T. Bolestridge

Operations Specialist 1st Class Daniel Elliot evaluates a tactical image in the combat information center of the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) during an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise with the Chilean navy. The ASW exercises were conducted off the coast of northern Chile supporting Partnership of the Americas 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class J.T. Bolestridge (Released)

USS Kauffman, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG-59); Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 (HSL-42), Detachment 7; and the U.S. Coast Guard completed maritime interdiction operations focusing on the interruption of narco-terrorist activities in Caribbean waters Aug. 24 – Sept. 13.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen on board Kauffman worked closely with Joint Interagency Task Force South (JAITF-South) to conduct counter illicit trafficking operations. JAITF-South is a multi-service, multi-agency joint task force of the U.S. armed forces and was established in 1989 to promote security cooperation and coordinate country team and partner nation initiatives to defeat the flow of illicit traffic.
Kauffman Operations Officer Lt. James Wright said the tasking focused directly on that mission and helped protect partner nations as well as the United States.

"The tasking here focused on the interdiction and interruption of narco-trafficking," said Wright. "Many partner nations in the Caribbean suffer from the effects of narco-trafficking."

HSL-42, Det. 7 played a key role throughout the operations. Lt. Cmdr. Brian Reardon, the HSL-42, Det. 7 officer in charge (OIC), said his Sailors have worked day and night in support of counter narco-terrorism (CNT) operations.

"Our guys have been flying two or three, three-hour flights per day in support of CNT operations," said Reardon. "We use our sensor suite to provide a complete nautical picture up to 150 nautical miles away from Kauffman. Once targets are detected on radar we are able to visually identify them, even at night, using forward looking infra red (FLIR) camera and night vision devices."

Reardon added that the greatest challenge and success that HSL-42, Det. 7 faced during the operations was the maintenance and logistics needed to operated in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Area of Focus (AOF).

"The 16 enlisted maintainers that we deploy with have done an outstanding job keeping our aircraft, Proud Warrior 426, ready to fly while working in very hot and challenging conditions," said Reardon.

"CNT operations have been a great opportunity for us to showcase the unique capabilities that a light airborne multi purpose system (LAMPS) helicopter detachment brings to the table," said Reardon. "This taste of "real world" operations shows that when working together with its host ship, a LAMPS helicopter is a force multiplier that is vital to CNT operations."

USS Kauffman and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 are assigned to Task Group 40.0, and are currently deployed along with USS Farragut (DDG-99) in support of Partnership of the Americas 2008 (POA 08). Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 Commodore, Capt. Rudy Laco, who commands Task Group 40.0, said that the Sailors on board Kauffman made the POA vision a reality.

"The interoperability and the success of the interdiction operations were just what we envisioned when we planned for Partnership of the Americas," said Laco. "As with any operation at sea, it's the Sailors on board who take our vision and turn it into visible and impacting results."

POA 08 operations are being held from April to October throughout South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. POA 08 emphasizes interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation's maritime forces through a variety of exercises and events.

USS McInerney, Coast Guard Bust Submarine Loaded With Cocaine

By Lt. Kelly Chufo, USS McInerney Public Affairs Officer
(US Navy Photo)

USS McInerney (FFG 8) and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 404 seized a submarine vessel carrying seven tons of cocaine off the coast of Guatemala Sept. 13.

In the early morning hours, McInerney and LEDET 404, in collaboration with Patrol Squadron (VP) 26's Combat Air Crew 12, successfully interdicted a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel carrying an estimated $107 million worth of cocaine 350 miles east of Guatemala.

The 59-foot-long steel and fiberglass-hulled SPSS was detected by VP 26's P-3C Orion aircraft. The air crew vectored McInerney to a position near the illicit vessel. McInerney launched two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) with members of both McInerney's and LEDET 404's visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams.

The suspects attempted to evade capture and drown any evidence of the operation but eventually complied to the boarding teams' instructions, allowing USS McInerney to capture the SPSS before it was scuttled.

After a full day of inventory and information gathering, four suspected illicit-traffickers and more than seven metric tons of cocaine were removed from the SPSS.

Information gathered during McInerney's interdiction, and other similar drug busts, help complete the mission of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to prevent trafficking of illicit drugs throughout the SOUTHCOM area of focus, which encompasses Central and South America, the Caribbean and surrounding waters.

McInerney, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently deployed under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. Fourth Fleet, conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations for Joint Interagency Task Force-South in the SOUTHCOM area of focus.

As the naval component command of SOUTHCOM, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval Forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact 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.

Fourth Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to NAVSO, exercising operational control of assigned forces in the SOUTHCOM area of focus.

Coast Guard Drug Bust

A Miami based Coast Guard crew captured a vessel hauling seven tons of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

USN/USCG Capture Drug-Running Semi-Submersible

The guided-missile frigate USS McInerney (FFG 8) tows a self-propelled, semi-submersible craft seized Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 by Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404. The Coast Guard law enforcement officers, embarked aboard the McInerney, seized seven tons of cocaine during a night raid about 350 miles west of Guatemala. The seized vessel has the capability to travel from Ecuador to San Diego, Calif. McInerney, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is deployed in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Justin Cooper/Released)


Sailors from USS McInerney (FFG 8) and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404 (LEDET) intercepted a self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) carrying seven tons of cocaine Sept. 13.

Sailors intercepted the 59-foot SPSS in a nighttime interdiction 350 miles off the coast of Guatemala, capturing four suspected narcotics smugglers from Colombia and the large cargo of cocaine before the SPSS could be scuttled.

An SPSS is capable of carrying 3-5 metric tons of cocaine and has no maritime use other than the covert transport of narcotics or other illegal goods. An SPSS is between 25-65 feet long, travel at speeds up to 13 knots, carry 4-5 crew members, and can travel up to 2,500 nautical miles without refueling. An SPSS is dangerous to capture since it is designed with valves that smugglers can use to quickly flood and sink the vessel, posing a risk to boarding teams attempting to capture it.

McInerney, homeported in Mayport, Fla., and the embarked LEDET 404 are currently deployed under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (NAVSO/4th FLT) conducting counter illicit trafficking operations for Joint Interagency Task Force-South in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of focus.

As the Naval Component Command of USSOUTHCOM, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval Forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact 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.

Fourth Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to NAVSO, exercising operational control of assigned forces in the SOUTHCOM area of focus.

HSL 43 Det. 4 Returns from Counter Narco-Terrorism Deployment

By Lt. Ryan Atwood, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 43 Public Affairs

NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- The “Rat Pak” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43, Detachment (Det.) 4, returned to San Diego Dec. 15 from a six-month counter narcotics deployment aboard USS Thach (FFG 43).

The detachment conducted operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The primary mission of the deployment was detection and monitoring of suspected drug smuggling vessels using Airborne Use of Force (AUF), the Navy’s newest tactic in the war on narco terrorism. AUF combines Navy helicopters with U.S. Coast Guard airborne controllers and gunners to use warning shots and disabling fire to stop drug trafficking speed boats. The speed boats previously out-ran slower Navy ships and outlasted fuel limited helicopters.

Squadron personnel integrated with Thach and U.S. Coast Guard Sailors to locate, identify and query vessels for boarding and search by the Coast Guard law enforcement team.
During the deployment, counter narcotic operations resulted in four successful drug busts. A combined total of nearly 23 tons of cocaine, with a street value estimated at $600 million, was seized and 34 drug-traffickers were detained.

In one instance Det. 4, used AUF by firing two rounds to disable the engines of a high-speed drug-trafficking vessel known as a “go fast” boat. After the boat was stopped, Det. 4 seized 1,000 lbs. of cocaine and captured four drug traffickers. Over the course of the deployment, Det. 4 flew over 500 mishap-free flight hours. While deployed, the detachment visited Panama, Peru, and the Bahamas.