In collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) recovered approximately 775 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated wholesale value of approximately $15.5 million in international waters in the Eastern Pacific, June 2.
During a routine patrol of the Eastern Pacific in international waters in support of Operation Martillo, Kauffman’s embarked helicopter squadron, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 60, spotted suspicious packages in the water. The bales were recovered by the crew aboard the rigid-hull inflatable boat and brought onto Kauffman for examination. Once on board, a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment member identified the packages as cocaine and took custody of the cargo.
USS Kauffman is currently deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Martillo.
Image: US Navy