NORFOLK, Va. — USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) departed Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday, embarking on an independent deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, according to a release from the U.S. 2nd Fleet.
“Leyte Gulf and her crew are excited to work with our partner nations and services to maintain maritime security and interoperability in the Caribbean and South American areas of operation,” said Capt. Nate Diaz, commanding officer of Leyte Gulf.
More than 40 officers and about 350 enlisted sailors are aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser.
USS Leyte Gulf will host Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404. Officials said crews will work to prevent illegal drugs from reaching the U.S. and regional partner nations.
Further, officials said the ship will complete "theater security cooperation port visits to strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance U.S. maritime posture, and counter threats such as illicit drug trafficking."
“The crew continued to display a high level of proficiency and readiness during our sustainment phase,” said Leyte Gulf Command Master Chief Jason Kutsch. “We look forward to exercising the capabilities of our ship and crew while deployed.”
The deployment comes after the ship completed "extensive" underway operations in the Western Atlantic during the fall season.
