Cyclone-class coastal patrol ship USS Zephyr (PC 8) returned from its first 45-day patrol in the U.S 4th Fleet area of operations June 3.

Operation Martillo, a joint international law enforcement and military operation involving U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nations, targets illicit trafficking routes in the waters off Central America. U.S. Navy forces support the Joint Interagency Task Force South-led operation in the Western Caribbean and Eastern Pacific through available air and surface assets.

The 45-day patrol was Zephyr's first deployment since being transferred from the Coast Guard to the Navy to help fill the gap left by decommissioning the remaining Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates last year. Three PCs, homeported in Mayport, Florida, have been outfitted with advanced capabilities -- including a Coast Guard Over the Horizon Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (OTH-RHIB), which allows small teams of Coast Guard law enforcement personnel to travel a greater distance from the ship utilizing their own radar.

Zephyr began its 4th Fleet patrol April 22, and conducted counter illicit-trafficking (CIT) operations in support of Operation Martillo.

Zephyr is credited with supporting one interdiction during her patrol, resulting in two detainees and the seizure of 726 kg. of cocaine valued at approximately $14.5 million.

"Zephyr has enjoyed the opportunity to conduct CIT cooperative engagements throughout the Caribbean," said Lt. Cmdr. Cameron Ingram, Zephyr commanding officer. "Zephyr's involvement in the CIT mission aims to maintain economic stability for our allied and partner nations throughout the U.S. Southern Command region. Our ship has been extremely impressed with the professionalism from both JIATF South and the U.S. Coast Guard, and we look forward to continuing our support in future patrols."

Ingram relieved Lt. Cmdr. Colin Roberts as commanding officer while underway May 31.

So far this calendar year, Navy assets have contributed to the seizure or disruption of more than 65,292 kg. of cocaine, 3,360 lbs. of marijuana, and the detention and processing of 170 suspected smugglers. These assets include Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), Arleight Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), and USS Shamal (PC 13) working in conjunction with Coast Guard Cutters and embarked Coast Guard law enforcement detachments.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet support USSOUTHCOM's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

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