Navy
USS Farragut returns to USNS Mayport after tracking down drug traffickers in the Caribbean
Stars and Stripes
February 4, 2024
USS Farragut moors at U.S. Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Feb. 3, 2024, following a deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility supporting Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF)-South’s counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea. (Steven Khor/U.S. Navy)
The USS Farragut returned to its homeport at U.S. Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Saturday after nearly five months at sea running down drug traffickers.
The Farragut, an Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer — along with the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 — deployed in September 2023 to support Joint Interagency Task Force-South’s counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea, according to a Navy news release.
“Every sailor and Coast Guardsmen had a role in this team effort,” Farragut commanding officer Cmdr. Tom Roberts said. “We, alongside allies and partners, seized the opportunity to advance regional and strategic objectives in the area of operations, supporting our nation and our Navy. I could not be more proud of our team and their accomplishments.”
Family and friends were there to welcome the sailors home.
USS Farragut moors at U.S. Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Feb. 3, 2024, following a deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility supporting Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF)-South’s counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea. (Steven Khor/U.S. Navy)
Family and friends were on hand at U.S. Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Feb. 3, 2024, to welcome home the USS Farragut. (Screen capture from video/WJXT News 4 Jacksonville)
Family and friends were on hand at U.S. Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Feb. 3, 2024, to welcome home the USS Farragut. (Screen capture from video/WJXT News 4 Jacksonville)
Family and friends were on hand at U.S. Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Feb. 3, 2024, to welcome home the USS Farragut. (Screen capture from video/WJXT News 4 Jacksonville)
During the deployment, Farragut, with her embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, apprehended or disrupted an estimated 3,900 pounds of cocaine — worth an estimated street value of $44 million — and the detention of 18 suspected illicit drug runners.
Farragut also:
Conducted operations with the Dominican Navy and British Royal Navy to assist with the apprehension and transfer of personnel and cargo.
Conducted deck landing qualifications with Joint Task Force Bravo soldiers, qualifying 18 UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter pilots for maritime operations.
Farragut’s port visits included Willemstad, Curacao, where the ship hosted local students and military personnel to showcase the capabilities of Farragut and discuss the daily lives of sailors onboard a U.S. naval warship.
“The crew of USS Farragut demonstrated tremendous proficiency and professionalism while executing theater security cooperation events and counter illicit trafficking operations throughout their extended 4-month deployment.” said Capt. Bryan Gallo, commodore of Task Force 45.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability.
Also returning to Mayport on Saturday was the USS The Sullivans, which had been deployed to the Mediterranean Sea to provide missile defense for carrier strike groups.
