USS Gary (FFG 51), with embarked Helicopter Squadron Light (HSL) 49, Det. 4, and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) seized approximately 580 kilograms of cocaine in international waters off the coast of Central America, Nov. 17.
Gary and embarked units are conducting operations in support of Operation Martillo.
A Navy maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspect “Go Fast” vessel while conducting surveillence during the night. Gary launched one of its SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, Det. 4, to track the “Go Fast” as it maneuvered toward an intercept point.
The SH-60B helicopter coordinated with Gary to locate the “Go Fast” quickly. Gary deployed her rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with joint Coast Guard LEDET and Navy boat crew to locate and recover the jettisoned contraband.
This marks Gary’s fifth successful interception in recent months, disrupting an approximated total of 2,500 kilograms of cocaine shipments off the coast of Central America.
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Press release, Image: US Navy