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USS Samuel B. Roberts Yields First Drug Bust

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031024-07

Release Date: 10/24/2003 2:52:00 PM

From USS Samuel B. Robert Public Affairs

ABOARD USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (NNS) -- Innovative tactics, vigilant watch standing, a concerted team effort, and patience proved to be virtues aboard USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) during her first drug bust. Teaming up with Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 401 and Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 44 Detachment 7, the frigate, commanded by Cmdr. Michael A. Hall, recently seized a large cache of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific.

Roberts began her six-month counter-drug operations deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command area of responsibility on Sept. 25. While working with other assets from Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South, the agency responsible for counter-drug operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, Roberts received information on a possible drug smuggler.

While waiting for the right circumstances, the crew patiently tracked the vessel and formulated a boarding plan.

"Extremely accurate information provided by JIATF South, coupled with surveillance done by HSL-44 Detachment 7, were vital to the mission's success," said Ensign Chris Klutch, Roberts' combat information center officer. "The helicopter, Magnum 450, lifted off the deck well before first light and flew into the morning, providing target localization, identification and tracking of the vessel."

Before sunrise, Roberts launched her Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and covertly closed the distance between the warship and the suspect vessel. Approaching at a high rate of speed, Roberts hoisted the Coast Guard Ensign, representing that she was under tactical control of the Coast Guard. With the Coast Guard Ensign closed-up and gunnery stations manned, Roberts began the boarding after access to spaces was granted by Coast Guard District 11. Promptly, the search turned out positive evidence of illegal cargo.

"Often, special hidden compartments are created to conceal the drugs, and a thorough search is necessary to locate the contraband," said Lt. j.g. Nick Squires, the Law Enforcement Detachment officer in charge.

Almost immediately, the team passed reports to Roberts that there was fresh paint on bulkheads, cement bags and cement-spreading tools, new bolts and fittings and large unaccounted-for space; all indications of hidden compartments.

The team quickly located the concealed cocaine, approximately 2.8 metric tons behind a newly constructed bulkhead. Proving difficult to extract due to an inch of cement and several inches of steel, Damage Control Assistant Officer Ensign Tom Delaney and Hull Technician 1st Class Shannon Coen assisted the Coast Guard Team in accessing the hidden compartment. Nearly seven hours later, the space was entered and the drugs extracted. Worth more than $58 million on the street, the 7,250 lbs. of cocaine was seized for use as evidence.

Eight men of Colombian origin were turned over to proper authorities. The detainees will be tried and if found guilty, will likely receive sentences of 25-35 years in federal prison.

When asked about the importance of counter-drug operations, the Ledet OIC said, "The counter-drug mission is extremely important because of the direct impact it has on the streets of America. The illicit narcotics we interdict are the same drugs that reach our kids and our neighbor's kids. It's gratifying to know that lives may be saved every time we stop those drugs from reaching our shores, which is why it's essential for us to be out here."

Homeported in Mayport, Fla., Roberts is a Commander, Naval Surface Group 2 ship, assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 14. During the ship's deployment, the crew will be patrolling nearly 4 million nautical miles of water in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

"It is very satisfying to see all the training and hard work pay dividends with such a well-executed takedown and bust of the suspected vessel," said Hall. "I am extremely proud of the officers and crew, for the patience and professionalism that was necessary to complete this difficult case."

An all hands effort, the feeling of the crew was best summarized by Fire Control Technician 2nd Class (SW) Aaron Nunn, who helped onload the 2.8 metric tons of cocaine.

"It was the most satisfaction I've had serving in the U.S. Navy, because I felt as though my efforts had really made a difference in both the war on drugs and the war on terrorism."