USS Gary (FFG 51), her embarked helicopter squadron (HSL 49 Detachment 4) and embarked U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment (LEDET) seized approximately 320 kilograms of cocaine after intercepting a suspected narcotic-trafficking vessel in international waters off the coast of Central America, Jan. 11.
After being alerted by a maritime patrol aircraft of a suspicious “go fast” vessel traveling in the area, Gary quickly launched one of her SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopters to track it.
The helicopter crew located the “go fast” vessel and observed suspicious packages on board.
Gary came up to top speed, changing course to intercept the suspect vessel. Meanwhile, the helicopter crew compelled the “go fast” vessel to stop.
Once on station, Gary launched her rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) with a joint Navy boat crew and Coast Guard boarding team. The boarding team searched the “go fast” and discovered multiple hidden compartments containing contraband underneath the deck of the vessel.
This marks Gary’s seventh successful interception in recent months, disrupting an approximated total of 5,041 kilograms of cocaine shipments off the coast of Central America.
The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary is currently deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Martillo.
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Image: US Navy