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
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
About Author
Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
- U.S. Coal Exports Witness Sharp Drop After Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse In Baltimore
- Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Naval Missile Carrier In Baltic Sea
- Bangladesh To Rescue 23 Crew Of Hijacked Ship MV Abdullah This Month From Somali Pirates
- Enterprise Products Partners Granted MARAD Port License For Biggest Offshore Oil Export Terminal In U.S.
- U.S. Navy Cruiser Seizes 2370 Kilos Of Cocaine From A Semi-Submersible Boat In The Atlantic
- Titan Clean Fuels & STX Group Conduct Largest Ship-To-Ship Delivery Of LBM To Hapag-Lloyd’s Container Ship
Latest Shipping News Articles You Would Like:
Subscribe To Our Newsletters
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
Web Stories
