By Anthony Cage, April 15, 2025 

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece  –  Public Works Department Souda Bay, Greece joined with Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (FLCSI), Site Souda Bay and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay leadership for a ribbon cutting ceremony, inaugurating the new Marathi Logistics Support Center at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex, April 3, 2025. 
 
The NATO Marathi Pier Complex is the only military deep-water pier facility in the Mediterranean with the capability to accommodate a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier pier-side. 
 
“This project represents a significant investment in our ability to support the fleet and our allies here in Souda Bay,” said Capt. Stephen Steacy, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay. “This facility, delivered through the outstanding collaboration of PWD Souda Bay, NAVSUP, and our partners, enhances our logistical capabilities, strengthens our operational readiness, and underscores our commitment to maintaining a robust presence in this strategically important region.” 
 
The $5.2 million, 14,000-square-foot, pre-engineered steel warehouse improves the installation’s logistical support capabilities, including critical storage, visiting ship cargo handling and office space. 
 
“This isn’t just about today’s mission. This new facility ensures NAVSUP can effectively support the fleet here in Souda Bay well into the future,” said Lt. Cmdr. Barry Ventura. “With added freezer and chill storage, along with expanded postal capacity, we can provide even more robust and reliable support well into the future. The upgraded water system is also crucial for maintaining uninterrupted service to our ships and allies.” 
 
The four-year project, funded by Commander, Navy Installations Command, also provides NAVSUP with essential hazardous material storage and an upgraded water supply system, including an above-ground tank and pump house. 
 
“This new facility at NSA Souda Bay, one of two opened by NAVFAC EURAFCENT this week, demonstrates our commitment to delivering critical infrastructure through effective partnerships,” said Lt. Katy Pekala, director, Facilities Engineering & Acquisition Division. “PWD Souda Bay’s expert oversight of construction management, engineering, and contracting, along with seamless communication with all stakeholders, was crucial to delivering this project on time and within budget.” 
 
The vital new facility at NSA Souda Bay is the latest example of NAVFAC EURAFCENT’s commitment to delivering impactful shore infrastructure projects across Europe, Africa, and Central Command. 
 
“PWD Souda Bay’s dedication and expertise were essential to the successful completion of this vital project,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ted Packowski, public works officer, NSA Souda Bay. “Working closely with stakeholders, including the end-users, to ensure the new warehouse met all requirements and exceeded expectations, in the end resulted in delivering a first-class facility that will significantly enhance the installation’s operational capabilities.” 
 
NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella supported by Navy Region NAVSUP FLC Sigonella mission is to plan, coordinate, integrate, synchronize, and provide logistic support to U.S. Naval, Joint, and allied forces operating in peace, crisis, and wartime within the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility. 
 
NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. 
 
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command is the naval shore facilities, base operating support, and expeditionary engineering systems command delivering life-cycle technical and acquisition solutions aligned to fleet and Marine Corps priorities. NAVFAC EURAFCENT supports fleet commanders by providing engineering assessments and agile acquisition strategy, constructing and maintaining shore infrastructure, and maximizing force readiness to enhance warfighter capability. NAVFAC EURAFCENT serves as the engineering link between the shore and the Fleet in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. 

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command, April 11, 2025 

NORFOLK, Va. – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) departed Naval Base San Diego to support U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) southern border operations in the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility, April 11. 
 
Stockdale takes over duties previously carried out by USS Spruance (DDG 111), which conducted similar operations in support of USNORTHCOM’s border security objectives. 
 
Stockdale’s departure reinforces the Navy’s role in the Department of Defense’s coordinated effort in response to the Presidential Executive Order. Stockdale’s sea-going capacity contributes to USNORTHCOM’s ability to protect the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security, through a coordinated, multi-domain strategy. 
 
Stockdale will continue operations with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET). These Coast Guard teams bring specialized expertise in maritime interdiction, enabling the ship to address a range of challenges, from countering illegal activities to supporting humanitarian efforts and homeland security operations. 
 
In February of 2025, Stockdale returned to San Diego after a seven-month independent deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. Stockdale joined the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG) and remained in 5th Fleet following the departure of the ABECSG. 
 
While in 5th Fleet, Stockdale successfully repelled multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks during transits of the Bab el-Mandeb strait and escort operations of U.S.-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Aden. During these engagements, Stockdale engaged and defeated one-way attack uncrewed aerial-ship cruise missiles. Stockdale received no damage and no personnel were hurt. 
 
Now, while operating in the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility, Stockdale will respond to national priorities and a Presidential declaration emphasizing the military’s role in securing U.S. borders. As the DoD’s lead for implementing border-related executive orders, USNORTHCOM continues to support critical Department of Homeland Security capabilities gaps, with Stockdale marking a vital contribution to these efforts. 
 
USFFC is responsible for manning, training, equipping and employing more than 125 ships, 1,000 aircraft, and 103,000 active-duty service members and government employees, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe in support of U.S. national interests. 
 
USFFC also serves as the Navy’s Service Component Commander to both U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command, and providing naval forces in support of joint missions as Commander, Naval Forces Northern Command (NAVNORTH) and Commander, Naval Forces Strategic Command (NAVSTRAT). USFFC is the Strategic Command Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC STRAT) and executes Task Force Atlantic in coordination with U.S. N

By USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet Public Affairs, April 11, 2025 

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. – U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet completed the UNITAS 2025 mid planning conference on board Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Apr. 7-11. Held virtually and in-person, the conference brought together commands from the U.S. and partner nations to plan for UNITAS 2025, the 66th iteration of the world’s longest-running multinational maritime exercise. 
 
UNITAS 2025 will feature a range of maritime operations, including a live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) and amphibious landings. The exercise will take place Sept. 15-Oct. 6 off the East Coast of the United States, with shore-based events at Naval Station Mayport, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. 
 
“The level of participation and plans being developed are paramount to a successful exercise and are all oriented to expanding and strengthening our maritime partnerships,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Already steeped in a long history of success, UNITAS 2025 will continue to solidify a legacy of maritime partnerships. 
 
More than 250 representatives from 23 countries and all branches of the U.S. military participated in person and virtually, including Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Singapore, Spain, and the United States. 
 
Participants refined the exercise scenario and objectives, the list of participating units and personnel, and logistics and communications plans. UNITAS is designed to strengthen relationships and foster interoperability among participating nations. 
 
UNITAS 2025 will showcase maritime technology, including unmanned and hybrid fleet systems, building on last years integration of unmanned undersea vehicles. The exercise will culminate in high-end warfighting events. 
 
“The combined efforts of all planners have shaped UNITAS 2025 to be the largest and most robust iteration of the exercise to date,” said Patrick Cooper, UNITAS 2025 lead planner. “The level of expertise and enthusiasm of every participant at the MPC has been truly astounding.” 
 
UNITAS 2025 will also help set the stage for events celebrating the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, a monumental event. Planning efforts will continue until the Final Planning Conference (FPC) scheduled to be held in June. 
 
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is the maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South American maritime forces, working to improve unity, security and stability. 

Company’s mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology to support Navy’s vision of integrating manned and unmanned formations  

From Persistent Systems 

NEW YORK, New York. – April 15, 2025 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today the U.S. Navy has selected the company as one of 88 participants for a $982.1 million, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to support current and future data links for unmanned surface vessels (USVs).  

The USV Family of Systems (FoS) contract, first awarded in 2020, now includes 88 contractors supporting the Navy’s effort to integrate USVs into its fleet. Building on its experience working with the Unmanned Systems divisions of Naval Surface Warfare Centers and Naval Information Warfare Centers, Persistent Systems will supply its MANET solutions to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to enable secure, resilient data links for RDT&E efforts in support of the Navy’s USV program.  

“As a leading provider of MANET solutions for this contract, we will serve as the critical data link for maritime unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, supporting numerous mission sets, including maritime domain awareness, sea control/sea denial, and swarming operations,” said Ed Leopold, Director of Business Development at Persistent Systems. “This is essential for maintaining real-time situational awareness for expeditionary forces and supporting collaborative autonomy of unmanned systems.”  

The company’s MPU5 networking devices leverage their highly scalable Wave Relay® MANET to seamlessly connect users in a true peer-to-peer fashion, allowing for the high-throughput transfer of voice, video, text, sensor data, and GPS information without needing external infrastructure.  

“As the U.S. Navy emphasizes the need for manned and unmanned formations, we are seeing the shift from pilot programs and proof of concepts towards the implementation of validated USV upgrades as part of their Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA),” says Leopold.  

This IDIQ contract builds on Persistent’s ongoing work with the Navy. Over the past few months, the company has supported several naval efforts:  

• In July, the U.S. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific awarded Persistent a contract to network USVs, individual operators, ships, and ground control stations;  

• Persistent Systems supported networking efforts during Valiant Shield, a joint exercise conducted every two years across the INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility and;  

• During the Paris Olympics, the French navy used Persistent’s MANET technology on vessels and shore infrastructure to secure a sailing competition.  

“We look forward to building on these relationships, and this selection reinforces our position as a trusted supplier for the U.S. Navy,” Leopold concluded.  

By Naval Foundry Propeller Center Public Affairs, April 11, 2025 

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Navy’s Naval Foundry and Propeller Center (NFPC) delivered the final major propulsor component for the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the future USS District of Columbia (SSBN 826), to General Dynamics-Electric Boat (GDEB) Apr. 8. GDEB accepted the component in Philadelphia, and transported it to the shipyard in Groton, CT, where it arrived April 10. 

The delivery marks a historic milestone for NFPC, and the culmination of a years-long project. Well before the ship’s keel was laid in 2022, NFPC was working on patterns, molds and castings for the propulsor – with the first sub-component pour in 2019 and the final large component being cast in 2021. 

NFPC’s journey to produce the propulsor for the District of Columbia has pushed engineering innovation to new heights, resulting in multiple record-breaking pours for nonferrous castings in the U.S. The largest casting was over 260,000 pounds and is already at GDEB for installation. Collectively, NFPC poured nearly 1 million pounds of bronze and removed well over 200,000 pounds of machine chips on the lead ship project. 

Once completed, the District of Columbia will be the first ship of its kind, set to replace the Navy’s current Ohio-class SSBNs. The Columbia-class is the Nation’s future Sea Based Strategic Deterrent, the Navy’s number one acquisition priority, and will provide the most survivable leg of the Nation’s strategic triad. The class will ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s and will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by our Nation. 

NFPC has produced four components for District of Columbia. Once completed at the foundry, the components are transported by truck or barge to GDEB shipyard, which is responsible for final assembly of all Columbia-class submarines.  

In addition to producing propulsors for the next three ships in the Columbia-class, NFPC continues work for the Navy’s Virginia-class fast attack submarines. 

NFPC has been manufacturing propellors and propulsors for the U.S. Navy for more than 100 years in Philadelphia. The current workforce benefits from a wide range of individual experience, with team members ranging from trade school graduates to seasoned engineers and mechanics with over 40 years of service. NFPC offers unique capabilities and capacity, achieving its mission to design, manufacture and deliver precision machined propulsor castings for undersea superiority.    

From U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, April 14, 2025 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Spencer (WMEC 905) returned to their home port in Portsmouth, Friday, following a 92-day deployment in support of alien interdiction operations in the Florida Straits.   

Deployed in support of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast (HSTF-SE) and Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS) in the Seventh Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility, Spencer’s crew conducted search and rescue, and maritime border security operations to support the ongoing U.S. mission to protect the maritime borders of America.  
  
On April 6, Spencer’s crew rescued a mariner from a capsized vessel approximately 35 miles northeast of Boynton Beach, Florida. Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell’s crew embarked the survivor who was transferred to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force in good condition.  

Prior to the patrol, Spencer was part of the service life extension program (SLEP) for two years getting upgrades at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore.                                                             

“Although our time in Baltimore was challenging, the officers and crew of Spencer were motivated to get the ship ready for operations and embark on our inaugural post-SLEP patrol,” said Cmdr. Justin Strock, commanding officer of Spencer. “In support Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast, we provided a clear visible deterrent to anyone considering illegal entry into the country.”   

Established in 2003, HSTF-SE is the DHS-led interagency task force charged with directing operational and tactical planning, command and control, and functions as a standing organization to deter, mitigate and respond to maritime mass migration in the Caribbean Sea and Florida Straits.    

OVS is the 2004 DHS plan that provides the structure for deploying joint air and surface assets and personnel to respond to irregular maritime migration in the Caribbean corridor of the United States. Its primary objectives are to prevent the unnecessary loss of life at sea while deterring and dissuading maritime mass migration alongside our federal, state and local partners.     

Spencer is a 270-foot, Famous-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are alien interdiction, counter-drug operations, enforcement of federal fishery laws, and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.   

For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit Go Coast Guard.com to learn about active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.  

By Peter Ong 

Colonel Peter B. Eltringham, commanding officer of the 12th United States Marine Corps Littoral Regiment (12th MLR) based in Okinawa, Japan, provided media with a briefing and fielded questions on April 8, 2025 regarding 12th MLR’s status, functions, and missions.  

“The MLRs are specifically designed to operate in contested maritime zones. MLRs have approximately 2,000 Marines, smaller than a traditional infantry or artillery regiment, but more mobile and survivable in key maritime terrain,” said Eltringham, who also emphasized the importance working with allied partnerships. 12th MLR has a Littoral Combat Team consisting of infantry and anti-ship battalion, an anti-air battalion, and a logistics battalion. 

Colonel Eltringham said that 3rd MLR is based in Hawaii and works closely with the Philippine Armed Forces whereas 12th MLR works with the Japanese air, land, and sea defense forces. The 3rd MLR has received new systems such as Naval Strike Missiles on unmanned Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs to form NMESIS) and Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS, JLTVs with turret mounted 30mm, 7.62mm, and Stinger missiles) whereas the 12th MLR will field those systems in the coming months. 

Colonel Eltringham replied to a question asking how MLR exemplifies Distributed Maritime Operations and lethality. The baseline MLR formations are broken into small, dispersed networks that “provide command and control, sustainment, strike, and sensing assets for the right time and place of our choosing and integrate them with the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and allies.” 

Colonel Eltringham replied to a question asking for examples of Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems in the 12th MLR. He mentioned the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV) semisubmersible and NMESIS. Another question asked when does testing stop and buying begin in which Eltringham said “technology on the battlefield is moving so quickly. I want to make sure that we are continually experimenting with C2 [command and control] sustainment, strike, and sensing realm.” 

To a question asking how paying for Readiness might hinder modernization, “Readiness absolutely takes up funding…we’ve got to train…deploy…ammunition…all that stuff costs money,” said Eltringham, but NMESIS, MADIS, and ALPV are modernization funding efforts. 

Replying to a question asking for a “WOW!” factor in the MLR since many other nations have made huge breakthroughs in technological advances and drone usage, Colonel Eltringham said that 12th MLR has the ability for multidomain operations across air, land, sea, space, and cyber and brings it down to the colonel level in addition to sharing the information with allies through communications and connectivity. 

Replying to a question asking for the biggest challenge in working with Japan against China, the colonel said it’s being able to operate constantly. 

Another question asked how training NMESIS and MADIS differ, the colonel said that the training methodologies are the same, but the ordnance differs.  

Finally, Eltringham replied to a question on how MLR fights with contested logistics, saying “that involves working locally, working within the environment, having senses, and having jungle warfare training.” 

From Petty Officer 1st Class Nikita Custer, April 15, 2025 

NAVAL BASE GUAM (April 14, 2025) – The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) returned to its homeport of Naval Base Guam following its first operational tasking while forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific region, April 14, 2025. 

“This first operational tasking following Minnesota’s recent homeport shift demonstrated the submarine’s operational readiness and the capabilities the Virginia-class brings to the Indo-Pacific region,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “Their performance is a clear reflection of the high standards and strategic impact expected of our forward-deployed assets. Minnesota has proven itself ready to meet the sustained operational tempo of our Pacific Submarine Force—truly living up to its motto, From the North, Power!” 
 
Minnesota’s operations included a port visit to Western Australia, marking the first of two planned U.S. Virginia-class fast-attack submarine visits to HMAS Stirling in 2025. While in the region, the crew took part in at-sea operations as part of the Submarine Command Course and participated in Exercise Lungfish, a tactical development exercise between the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy. The submarine also visited Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, supporting bilateral engagements and hosting tours for local officials. 
 
“These port visits were an outstanding opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and reinforce the Navy’s forward presence with our allies,” said Cmdr. Jeffrey Cornielle, commanding officer, USS Minnesota. “Working side-by-side with our Australian counterparts helped sharpen our undersea warfighting skills. That kind of tactical development is vital—not just for increasing our own readiness, but for enhancing interoperability with allied warfighters deployed shoulder-to-shoulder in support of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” 
 
Beyond operations at sea, the crew engaged in community outreach throughout Australia, delivering STEM presentations at local schools and volunteering with programs for at-risk youth. 
 
“The Sailors of Minnesota truly embodied what it means to serve, whether they were inspiring students with stories of life aboard a submarine or giving their time to support the local community,” said Master Chief Missile Technician Kevin Lewis, USS Minnesota, Chief of the Boat. “What they did went beyond the uniform. Every connection they made helped build trust, show our values in action, and strengthen the relationships that support our presence in the region.” 
 
Commissioned on Sept. 7, 2013, in Norfolk, Virginia, Minnesota is the 10th Virginia-class submarine to enter service. On Nov. 26, 2024, Minnesota became the first Virginia-class submarine to join the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed submarine squadron, along with four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines based in Guam. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Minnesota operates at the tip of the spear, reaffirming the submarine force’s forward-deployed presence and supporting the vision of peace through strength and a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

15 April 2025 

ATLANTIC OCEAN – Secretary of the Navy John Phelan embarked USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, to observe the strike group’s Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Apr. 10-11. The visit was the Secretary’s first visit to an operational carrier strike group since becoming the 79th Secretary of the Navy on March 25, 2025. 

“There is nothing that compares to the strategic influence that the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group delivers to the Commander-in-Chief,” said Phelan. “All Americans should be proud of these men and women, whose grit and determination keeps our seas open and our nation safe.” 
 
The Secretary joined the strike group during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The training environment delivers opportunities for carrier strike group commanders to integrate highly-capable, multi-mission teams through live, virtual, and constructive presentations of threats. CSG-12 coordinates and directs the actions of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 with its nine accompanying squadrons, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and its four guided-missile destroyers. 
 
“I can’t think of a better time, place, or team to introduce Secretary Phelan to strike group operations at sea,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta. “It’s an honor and a privilege to lead this team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to highlight the team’s hard work, tactical acumen, and warfighting spirit to the Secretary.” 
 
COMPTUEX is the Joint Force’s most complex training event which underscores the Navy’s commitment to deliver naval task forces for sustained high-end Joint and combined combat. The visit was also an opportunity for the crew of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to present the ship to senior leadership. 
 
“It is a great honor to host Secretary Phelan during his first trip to a ready aircraft carrier,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford. “The crew demonstrated Ford’s ability to project power on demand anywhere across the globe.” 
 
Following its return from its maiden deployment in January 2024, Ford completed a maintenance and training cycle. 
 
“As the first aircraft carrier to deter aggression during the Israel-Hamas conflict, you stood tall in support of Israel’s right to defend itself, and you made America proud. But you didn’t just deter. You made a difference. and you showed the world what American naval power and strength looks like.” said Phelan. 
 
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group delivers the Joint force and Commander-in-Chief the combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security and economic prosperity. The strike group is comprised of its flagship, the world’s largest and most capable aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 with nine accompanying squadrons, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 and its four guided-missile destroyers. 
 
For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit its official webpage at https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/, or its Defense Visual Information Distribution site at www.dvids.net/CVN78. Follow the ship’s operations and upcoming deployment on Facebook at @USSGeraldRFord or on Instagram at @cvn78_grford. 

From U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area 

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) returned to their home port in North Charleston, Saturday, following a 112-day, multi-phase deployment, where crew members conducted counter-narcotic operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and participated in joint exercises with the U.S. Navy in the Atlantic Ocean.  

James’ crew spent their first two months underway in support of Joint Interagency Task Force – South (JIATF-S) while on patrol in the Coast Guard 11th District’s area of operations.   

Working alongside additional Coast Guard units and multiagency partners, the crew of James interdicted drug smuggling operations in the vast ocean off the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Central and South America. Crew member efforts significantly disrupted illegal narcotics trafficking with 11 interdictions at sea, seizing more than 48,000 pounds of illicit drugs valued at $510 million and apprehending 34 suspected drug smugglers.  

Of note, crew members interdicted three go-fast vessels in a single day, seizing more than 13,000 pounds of cocaine and capturing nine suspected narco-traffickers.   

On Wednesday, James’ crew and multiagency partners offloaded the drugs at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During a press conference, Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel delivered remarks alongside U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Southern Command leadership to highlight the unprecedented collaboration between agencies and importance of preventing these drugs from reaching America.   

While deployed, the crew of James partnered with the Ecuadorian Coast Guard to promote regional maritime governance and assist in combatting the international drug trade. For 30 days, James embarked an Ecuadorian Coast Guard officer, underscoring the success of the two nations’ recent bilateral “Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of Ecuador Concerning Counter Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity Operations.” It was signed in 2023 and entered in force on Feb. 23, 2024. This shiprider provision of the agreement was enacted on four occasions, providing James with additional authorities and a strategic edge in countering suspected drug smugglers, efforts that greatly advanced regional maritime security.   

For the remainder of the patrol, James participated in the Carrier Strike Group 12, Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is the Joint Force’s most complex integrated training event and prepares naval task forces for sustained high-end Joint and combined combat.  

COMPTUEX was an all-hands, round-the-clock effort aboard James, especially the Combat Information Center team. Within the exercise, James operated in a contested maritime environment alongside the Navy to meet Fleet Commander requirements. The exercise also presented an opportunity for James to display the Coast Guard’s unique capabilities and authorities while operating alongside elements of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, including USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Carrier Air Wing (CVW-8), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2.  

“The Coast Guard’s integration in exercises like COMPTUEX is so important because it simulates realistic threat environments and high-stress situations, allowing members of the Carrier Strike Group to practice complex tactical maneuvers, communication and decision-making under pressure,” said Capt. Thomas Rodzewicz, commanding officer of James. “One of the Coast Guard’s statutory missions is Defense Readiness. With that comes supporting the National Military Strategy and Department of Defense movements and operations.”  

JIATF-S, in conjunction with partner nations, works to target, detect and monitor illicit drug trafficking within the joint operating area. The organization facilitates the interdiction and apprehension of illicit traffickers to dismantle transnational criminal organizations while reducing the flow of drugs to the public. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and apprehension. Interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Eleventh District, headquartered in Alameda, California.    

James is one of four 418-foot, Legend-class national security cutters homeported in North Charleston, South Carolina. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations and defense readiness.  

James falls under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, which is based in Portsmouth, Virginia. U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, they also allocate ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity.