Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) completed Foxhunt exercises off the coast of Southern California, Feb. 21.

The four-day evolution consisted of maritime domain awareness, live-fire exercises, and rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) operations in preparation for operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility.

Part of this training is to prepare Lassen to coordinate law enforcement actions, seize and handle evidence and render assistance to vessels in distress.

"The crew has been training for this mission for a very long time," said Cmdr. Robert Francis, commanding officer of Lassen. "The Foxhunt exercises gave us the opportunity to hone our skills and refine the team work between the ship, air crew, and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Team."

Lassen departed Yokosuka, Japan, Jan. 6, for her new homeport of Mayport, Florida, after serving nearly 10 years as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces.

She is currently deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility supporting law enforcement operations.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.