USS Gary (FFG 51), with its embarked helicopter squadron and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), seized more than 590 kilos of cocaine after intercepting a “Go Fast” vessel in international waters off the coast of Central America, Nov. 9.
The operation was conducted in support of Operation Martillo.
A U.S. Navy maritime patrol aircraft observed a “Go Fast” vessel underway at sunset and informed Gary of the position. Gary launched one of its SH-60B helicopters from embarket Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 (HSL-49), Detachment 4, and maneuvered to intercept the vessel.
The 11th Coast Guard District directed Gary to deploy its joint Coast Guard LEDET and Navy visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) boat crew to intercept the vessel. Upon boarding, a search of the vessel yielded several bales of contraband.
This marks Gary’s third successful interception in recent months, disrupting an approximated total of 1,900 kilograms of cocaine shipments off the coast of Central America.
Gary, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, is currently deployed to the 4th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Martillo.
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Press release, Image: US Navy