U.S. Navy Cruiser Seizes 2370 Kilos Of Cocaine From A Semi-Submersible Boat In The Atlantic
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (C.G. 55) marked a significant mission milestone in March when they deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations.
While patrolling the Atlantic Ocean, the crew spotted and intercepted a self-propelled semi-submersible narcotics smuggling craft.
The interception was made possible with the cooperation of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50, which gave critical location data to the SPSS.
After locating the SPSS, members of the LEDET dispatched a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to intercept it. Following the interception, the LEDET detained the individuals aboard the SPSS and seized a significant amount of cocaine, approximately 2,370 kilograms.
The USS Leyte Gulf then performed a sinking exercise on the SPSS, essentially neutralizing it as a smuggling vessel.
Lt. Commander Travis Lee, Leyte Gulf’s senior aviator, described the operation as a spectacular achievement, comparing the job of locating the SPSS to “finding a needle in a haystack.”
This victory was a crucial milestone in Lt. Commander Lee’s seven-year career, as he had never before been able to discover and acquire such an asset.
This interception of the SPSS is only the latest in a string of successful operations carried out by USS Leyte Gulf during its deployment.
In February, while patrolling the Caribbean Sea, the ship stopped three vessels using coordinated air and surface operations involving U.S. and partner nation troops.
Large amounts of cocaine were seized when the LEDET boarded and took control of each vessel during these interdictions.
On February 6, 520 kilograms of cocaine worth $12.8 million were discovered. Another 600 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated $15.25 million, were recovered on February 15.
Ultimately, on February 28, the crew found an extra 600 kg of cocaine worth $15 million.
Commanding Officer Capt. Nathan Diaz emphasized the Leyte Gulf team’s readiness to carry out these interdictions, citing the successful capture of over $42 million in illicit substances as proof of the interoperability of partner nations, the Coast Guard, and the entire team.
Lt. j.g. Jayden Hodgson, an officer of the deck and public affairs officer on board the ship, described the experience of supervising one of the interdiction operations as exciting.
Hodgson praised Leyte Gulf’s involvement in blocking illegal drug importation and pledged to continue such measures.
USS Leyte Gulf is currently assigned in the USSOUTHCOM AOR, where it supports bilateral and multinational maritime operations with regional allies, conducts Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) port visits, and assists JIATF-South in combating illicit drug trafficking.
LEDETs, specialized forces of the United States Coast Guard, play an essential role in enforcing maritime laws and treaties.
US Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet actions support joint and integrated military operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
Reference: usff.navy.mil
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