Leyte Gulf departed Norfolk, Jan. 28, 2024, to conduct maritime interdiction and theater safety operations within the U.S. 4th Fleet space of operations.
“The crew of Leyte Gulf is a mannequin for maritime teamwork,” stated Vice Adm. Doug Perry, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. “They partnered with Navy air property and Coast Guard interdiction groups, showcasing 2nd Fleet’s skill to increase our presence and preserve homeland protection in different fleets. This can be a profound ultimate chapter for one of many Navy’s best ships, and their crew needs to be happy with all they completed.”
Throughout their ultimate deployment, Leyte Gulf embarked the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 and partnered with U.S. Coast Guard Regulation Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 404.
The Leyte Gulf staff carried out maritime interdiction operations and disrupted 4,100 kilograms of cocaine. They detected and seized a self-propelled semi-submersible containing 2,370 kilograms of illicit medicine, which was later destroyed throughout a sinking train. The LEDET boarded and took optimistic management of three vessels throughout interdiction operations and eliminated 15 narcotics traffickers from the narcotics commerce.
“I like the resiliency of the crew aboard Leyte Gulf,” stated Perry. “Their dedication to the mission within the South Atlantic enhances maritime safety by way of sustained naval presence.”
Leyte Gulf operated with regional companions within the 4th Fleet space and carried out theater safety cooperation visits. These mixed efforts aimed to strengthen maritime partnerships, improve U.S. maritime posture, and deter threats of illicit drug trafficking.
Named after considered one of World Conflict II’s largest naval battles, “The Battle of Leyte Gulf” was fought in 1944 within the Philippine Sea. It was a decisive battle that pushed again Japanese naval forces. The ship, which might be eternally referred to as Leyte Gulf, was constructed in 1985 and commissioned in 1987.
“This ship is filled with historical past. Every interval brings its personal far-off journeys, together with generations of Sailors who’ve manned the helm,” stated Capt. Nathan Diaz, the commanding officer of Leyte Gulf. “Our final deployment was stuffed with Sailors who made their very own mark on the story of this nice warship. Although our namesake comes from a battle way back, the U.S. continues to be performing with a stage of fight experience and professionalism that we’ve at all times had as we shield the homeland.”
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the altering world safety surroundings, develops and employs maritime forces able to struggle throughout a number of domains within the Atlantic and Arctic to be able to guarantee entry, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and associate pursuits.
