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News | May 11, 2017

USS Zephyr returns home following counterdrug patrol in Latin America, Caribbean

By MC3 (SW/AW) Casey J. Hopkins

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- The Cyclone-class patrol costal ship USS Zephyr (PC 8) and its embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) returned to its homeport in Mayport, Florida, May 10, following a 56 day patrol in the 4th fleet area of operations conducting Operation Martillo.

After deploying, March 15, Zephyr Sailors and LEDET personnel conducted three scheduled port visits in the territory of St. Thomas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The ship also made six brief stops for fuel (BSF) during its eight-week journey.

Zephyr interdicted five detainees transporting 750 kilograms of cocaine with a total estimated street value of $22.5 million.

"This will conclude Zephyr's fourth counter illicit trade patrol to the Caribbean," said Lt. Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, Zephyr's commanding officer. "Our success over the past year has been due to the high level of professionalism and dedication shown by the crew and LEDET members. I could not be more proud of their actions and accomplishments."

Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') targets illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus, and is an international, interagency operation that includes the participation of 17 countries committed to a regional approach against transnational organized crime moving illicit cargo.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

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