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USS Kauffman Returns Home

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS150713-05
Release Date: 7/13/2015 8:33:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Shane A. Jackson, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) returned home to Norfolk, July 12, following a six-month deployment in support of Operation Martillo.

Operation Martillo is a multinational, anti-narcotics mission intended to prevent criminal organizations from using the waterways of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific coast of Central America as a means of smuggling narcotics, illegal firearms, and money into the United States.

'The Kauffman crew performed remarkably during the deployment,' said Cmdr. Michael Concannon, Kauffman's commanding officer. 'Not only did they work incredibly hard and were extremely successful interdicting, disrupting or recovering more than 14,000 kilograms of narcotics destined for the United States, but they were excellent ambassadors as they volunteered many hours helping people in need that we were able to meet during our time away from home.'

In collaboration with three U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) law enforcement detachments (LEDET) and 'The Immortals,' from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Squadron (HSL) 60, Kauffman intercepted 8,499 kg of narcotics and interdicted 13 smuggling vessels during its deployment.

'I like the feeling of knowing that we not only captured drugs heading to the U.S., but we prevented a lot more from even being smuggled,' said Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Micah Fernandes. 'It was also an honor being able to pool our resources with the squadron and the USCG LEDET to do an amazing job in 4th Fleet.'

Kauffman's crew also spent time volunteering during community relations projects in liberty ports such as Cartagena, Colombia; Orangestaad, Aruba; and Panama City, Panama. Sailors donated 250 boxes of hygiene and medical supplies to schools and orphanages in the area of responsibility.

'It was a highlight of every port call for me to help those who need it,' said Yeoman 2nd Class Thomas Economidis. 'Even though we have been deployed away from our families, we are still blessed, and it is fortunate the Navy allowed us to share that with people down here.'

Kauffman's departure from U.S. 4th Fleet and its return to homeport is historic, as it represents the final deployment for Kauffman, and is the final deployment for any Oliver Hazard-Perry class frigate based in Norfolk. Kauffman is scheduled to be decommissioned in September.