The US Navy frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) is scheduled to return from its final deployment to the 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) Oct. 27 to make preparations for decommissioning.
During this final deployment, the ship played an integral part in the counter-transnational organized crime (C-TOC) mission Operation Martillo. Operation Martillo is a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner-nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters in Central America.
Ingraham’s crew participated in the operation along with the “Dos Bravos” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 Detachment Two and three U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDET).
The successful joint-service deployment resulted in 14 illegal drug disruptions for a total seizure of 11,937 kilograms of cocaine.
The 25 Sailors and two SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from HSL-49, returned to Naval Air Station North Island from the deployment aboard Ingraham Oct. 20. During the deployment, the detachment conducted 900 flight hours.
The ship also participated in ten community relations (COMREL) projects, including those at Helen Keller School for the Blind, San Jose de Malambo Orphanage and Corozal Cemetery where Sailors helped to restore facilities and to distribute school supplies and toys donated by Project Handclasp.
Upon return, the crew of Ingraham will begin final preparations for the ship’s decommissioning Nov. 15.
Ingraham is the fourth ship to honor the name of Capt. Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham (1802-1891).
The ship is homeported in Everett and is part of Destroyer Squadron Nine (DESRON) 9, Naval Surface Forces and U.S. 3rd Fleet.
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Press release, Image: US Navy