Task Group 40.7 disrupts high speed drug vessels in Western Caribbean
CARIBBEAN SEA — Task Group 40.7 comprised of USS WASP with embarked Security Cooperation MAGTF and Destroyer Squadron FOUR ZERO staff conducted operations with the Nicaraguan Navy in intercepting a high-speed go-fast vessel carrying more than two tons of drugs Dec. 3.
The combined team of USS Wasp, with embarked Destroyer Squadron 40, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 405, was patrolling the Caribbean Sea when they detected a go fast vessel carrying suspected illicit drugs was located in their vicinity. The helicopters of HSC-28 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 responded quickly and provided continuous location data on the surface target of interest.
An 11 hour pursuit followed, the 35 foot vessel eventually jettisoned its illicit cargo and beached itself on an island in Nicaraguan territory. TG 40.7 units conducted a successful handoff to awaiting Nicaraguan Navy forces. The illicit cargo of 13 bales of narcotics was recovered the following days in the vicinity of Costa Rica. Task Group 40.7 and assigned units earned the coveted "Snowflake" award for successful drug interdiction, a first for a large deck amphibious ship and Security Cooperation MAGTF operating in 4th Fleet area of responsibility.
The coordinated actions of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and Joint Interagency Task Force-South were instrumental to the successful disruption of narcotics. Task Group Commander Captain Rudy Laco said, "The 1,500 Sailors, Marines, and embarked personnel onboard WASP performed superbly throughout this deployment. Their ability to interoperate together as a joint force and with our partner nation neighbors in the Caribbean resulted in more opportunities for drug disruptions and interdictions."
Wasp, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is currently deployed in the Caribbean under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet, conducting counter illicit trafficking operations in support of JIATF-S and U.S. Coast Guard District Seven.
Wasp and the embarked SCMAGTF are working alongside Mayport based Destroyer Squadron 40 during a three month deployment to build interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation naval forces through a variety of exercises as part of Southern Partnership Station-Amphib 2009.
| Date Taken: |
12.17.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
12.17.2009 22:20 |
| Story ID: |
42898 |
| Location: |
USCENTCOM, AT SEA |
| Web Views: |
476 |
| Downloads: |
427 |
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