U.S Navy Ship Stops 2 Drug Smuggling Operations Within 72 Hours On Maiden Deployment

The U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) recently stopped two drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea within a span of 72 hours, during its maiden deployment.

This led to the seizure of 1200 pounds of cocaine worth approximately 9.5 million dollars and 2400 pounds of marijuana worth 2.8 million dollars, per a Navy press release.

The ship was supported by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50, Detachment Three which made it possible to make the two busts in the Caribbean through combined air and surface operations.

Rear Adam. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, said that the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul executed their duties to safeguard the homeland from illicit maritime trafficking.

He added that they look forward to seeing a measurable impact delivered by the talented crew members of the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul across the region.

Cmdr. Steven Fresse, Minneapolis-Saint Paul commanding officer, said that they train hard and are always ready to go on interdiction missions at a moment’s notice. He expressed his satisfaction at the achievement of the crew in their first voyage, which is a testament to their skills and expertise.

The ship left Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on March 26 with its partners from the Coast Guard and HSM 50 to support counter-illicit drug trafficking in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.

USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is presently assigned to Commander, Task Force 45 (CTF 45).

CTF-45 is the 4th Fleet surface task force which executes combined naval operations, and other tasks including strengthening Latin American, Caribbean, Mexican maritime partnerships and collaborations.

It also acts as a DoD ready service provider to the Joint Interagency Task Force – South to support counter-illicit-drug trafficking operations in the Central and South American waters.

References: U.S Navy Press Release

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