Photo By Ensign Michael Singer | USS GARY’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat with joint U.S. Coast Guard LEDET and Navy...... read more read more
AT SEA - USS GARY (FFG 51), with embarked Helicopter Squadron Light (HSL) 49, Det. 4, and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) seized approximately 580 kilograms of cocaine after intercepting a "Go Fast" vessel in international waters off the coast of Central America, Nov. 17.
GARY and embarked units are conducting operations in support of Operation Martillo.
A Navy maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspect "Go Fast" vessel while conducting surveillance during the night. GARY launched one of its SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, Det. 4, to track the "Go Fast" as it maneuvered toward an intercept point.
The SH-60B helicopter coordinated with GARY to locate the "Go Fast" quickly. GARY deployed her rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with joint Coast Guard LEDET and Navy boat crew to locate and recover the jettisoned contraband.
This marks GARY's fifth successful interception in recent months, disrupting an approximated total of 2,500 kilograms of cocaine shipments off the coast of Central America.
"I couldn't be any prouder of the Sailors onboard," said Command Senior Chief Petty Officer Ruben Diaz. "We are currently complemented by a detachment from HSL-49 as well as a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. The Cohesion and team effort shown by these three entities is phenomenal. Executing a 'one team, one fight' mentality, we have been able to disrupt routine drug smuggling routes and secure contraband from reaching its final destination. Our Sailors are fully aware of the mission driving Operation Martillo and its importance. What I am most proud of is their enthusiasm and desire to do what is right at a moment's notice."
GARY, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, is currently deployed to the 4th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Martillo, which began in January 2012.
Operation Martillo, a joint, international law enforcement and military operation involving the U.S., European and Western Hemisphere partner nations, targets illicit trafficking routes in the waters off Central America. U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) leads the U.S. military involvement in the Joint Operation Task Force.
Overall coordination of counter-drug patrols and surveillance in the Eastern Pacific is done by a joint agency task force headquartered in Key West, Florida. U.S. maritime law enforcement and the interdiction phase of operations in the region occur under the tactical control of the 11th Coast Guard District headquartered in Alameda, California.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet support USSOUTHCOM's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.06.2015 10:29 |
| Story ID: | 151408 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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