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USS Underwood Lends Hand in Counter-Narcotics Efforts in Caribbean

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060425-01
Release Date: 4/25/2006 12:16:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman Charles A. Ordoqui, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS UNDERWOOD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Underwood (FFG 36) Sailors are making efforts in counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea during the month of April as part of Partnership of the Americas.

Underwood deployed March 24 from Naval Station Mayport, Fla., to conduct counter-narco-terrorism operations (CNT-OPS) in the western Caribbean to stop illegal drugs from reaching the United States.

“We‘re out here with other units patrolling in search of drug smugglers as part of our nation’s continuing war on drugs,” said Cmdr. Roderick Fraser, commanding officer of Underwood.

Sailors along with an attached U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement detachment (LEDET) began counter-narcotics operations after visiting Cartagena, Colombia, April 10-13.

“Drugs destroy people’s lives and families,” said Fraser. “Whatever we can do to prevent them from going to the States will be a great benefit to everyone.”

Underwood is patrolling the waters of the western Caribbean assisting the LEDET in attempts to seize illegal drugs destined for the U.S. shoreline.

“It’s great working alongside our Navy shipmates in this very important endeavor,” said Coast Guard Lt. Brian Detzer, officer-in-charge of Law Enforcement Detachment 403, Miami. “The sense of pride and duty is evident within everyone as we work together to keep dangerous narcotics from reaching the shores of the U.S.”

“I think it’s awesome that we can work with the Coast Guard to help keep narcotics away from the U.S.,” said Storekeeper 1st Class James Skelton. “It really makes me feel good to know that I’m the first line of defense in keeping drugs off the streets of American neighborhoods.”

During Partnership of the Americas, units from the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Strike Group, including Underwood, George Washington, USS Monterey (CG 61) and USS Stout (DDG 55), are operating with the Coast Guard and various forces from Latin America and the Caribbean. The deployment is designed to enhance maritime security in the Caribbean basin and other waters surrounding Central and South America.

In addition to enhancing maritime security in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility by improving maritime domain awareness, participating units will counter a variety of unconventional threats such as narco-terrorism and human trafficking, as well as improve training levels in a variety of mission areas.

“I think it’s really extraordinary that I can play a small role in keeping drugs of the streets of our country and other countries, too,” said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jorge Zapata. “It only makes the world a safer place to live, and it strengthens our country’s relationship with all the countries in Central and South America. It’s truly an amazing thing that we‘re doing out here.”

Underwood will return to her homeport in Mayport later this spring upon completion of Partnership of the Americas.