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	USS Preble Returns After Successful Counter-Narcotics Deployment
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        <h1 class="title">USS Preble Returns After Successful Counter-Narcotics Deployment</h1>
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            <img src="https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jun/11/2002314561/1920/1080/0/200602-N-N3764-001.JPG"
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                 alt="USS Preble interdicts a semi-submersible vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean."
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            <div class="image-title">200602-N-N3764-001</div>
            <div class="image-caption">EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (June 2, 2020) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) with embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) team conducts enhanced counter narcotics operations June 2.  The Preble and embarked LEDET recovered over 2,000 kilograms of suspected cocaine.  Preble is deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard/Released)</div>
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    <div><b>By U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs</b> <span class="date">/ Published June 29, 2020</span></div>
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    <p>PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) returned to their homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following the ship’s surge deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, June 25.</p>

<p>Preble, along with a detachment from “Easyriders” from Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 37, deployed in March 2020 to conduct U.S. Southern Command and Joint Interagency Task Force South’s enhanced counter-narcotics operations missions in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean.</p>

<p>During their deployment, Preble, with their embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), recovered 100 bales of suspected cocaine totaling an estimated 2,000 kilograms, worth over an estimated wholesale value of $40 million.</p>

<p>“The success of this deployment was due to our Sailors and embarked Coast Guardsmen working together daily for a common cause – enhanced counter-narcotics operations,” said Cmdr. Leonardo Giovannelli, Preble’s commanding officer. “We thank our Preble families and friends whose unwavering support made it possible for their loved ones, our Sailors, to succeed at sea and complete our mission.”</p>

<p>With the deployment conducted in a COVID-19 environment, the primary focus of ship’s leadership was crew safety.</p>

<p>“We took all available precautions before the start of the deployment,” said Cmdr. Peter Lesaca, Preble’s executive officer. “I credit our Sailors for understanding the gravity of the pandemic, keeping themselves in good health, and taking care of their shipmates to keep the ship safe.”</p>

<p>Preble joined other U.S. Navy warships, numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperating in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, are all playing a role in counter-drug operations.</p>

<p>U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. U.S. 3rd Fleet works with U.S. 4th Fleet to complement one another and provide commanders capable, ready assets across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.</p>
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