US Navy littoral combat ship Minneapolis-Saint Paul deploys to support counter-drug operations in Caribbean

The Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, along with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 Detachment Three and an embarked US Coast Guard law enforcement detachment (LEDET), departed from Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on Wednesday, March 26, beginning her maiden deployment to the US Fourth Fleet area of operations.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s primary mission will be to support counter-illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The ship's operations will involve practical exercises and exchanges with partner nations and supporting US Fourth Fleet interoperability.

The LCS is certified in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations, enabling the ship to conduct maritime interdiction operations and support for the embarked LEDET. The navy said VBSS is vital for countering illicit drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of international waters.

In addition, the ship embarked its aviation detachment, which includes an MH-60R helicopter. This addition enhances the ship’s ability to conduct reconnaissance, track contacts of interest, and engage in maritime interdiction operations.