Archive image: ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 22, 2024) – The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 ‘Valkyries’ (HSM-50) work together to intercept a self-propelled semi-submersible drug smuggling vessel (SPSS), in the Atlantic Ocean, March 22, 2024.
Leyte Gulf is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of operations, employed by U.S. 4th Fleet to support joint and combined military operations, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and the Atlantic.
U.S. Coast Guard photo.
WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard achieved a major milestone this week in drug interdiction with more than 36 tons, since January 21, being smuggled by drug cartels in an attempt to reach the United States.
The Coast Guard’s achievement comes as U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) deployed two U.S. Navy warships to the southern border to support Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Coast Guard operations.
These U.S. Navy warships will operate in direct support of the Coast Guard and carry Coast Guard law enforcement teams that will enable them to shift to USCG control during interdiction operations. As the Coast Guard hardens and sustains its operational posture, including the arrival of these U.S. Navy warships, it is fully integrated with DHS and the Department of Defense (DoD) through NORTHCOM and U.S. Southern Command.
“The Coast Guard leads the U.S. government’s efforts to control, secure and defend the nation’s borders and maritime approaches, starting at the U.S. southern border where the president has declared a national emergency,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting Coast Guard commandant. “We are now leveraging U.S. Navy capabilities with Coast Guard teams aboard to augment our forces off Southern California and Texas. We are grateful for this crucial support from our teammates at NORTHCOM and the U.S. Navy. These Navy ships provide unique capability to complement U.S. Coast Guard operations to achieve 100% operational control of the border.”
Since January 21, the Coast Guard has tripled its forces operating on the southern border.
–USCG–
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