NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. - USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), a Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), returned to Naval Station Mayport, concluding its maiden deployment to the U.S. Fourth Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
"Over the past seven months, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul crew has demonstrated resilience, determination, and flexibility," said Cmdr. Steven Fresse, commanding officer of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. "We successfully completed every assigned mission while also focusing on training and refining our skills, enabling us to become a cohesive unit. The keys to our success have been synergy, positivity, unity, and self-sufficiency. Teamwork and determination ensure success."
After a seven-month deployment, this marked an important chapter in the ship's service history, showcasing the versatility and capabilities of the LCS class within the U.S. Navy's surface fleet, while making an operational impact and achieved historic milestones.
"I'm proud of the excellent execution demonstrated by Minneapolis-Saint Paul," said Rear Adm. Joe Cahill, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. "Underway for 130 of her 200 days deployed and maintaining an operational availability of more than 90 percent, Minneapolis-Saint Paul marked a decisive moment of self-sufficiency for the class, one we will continue to build upon. This signifies an important milestone as we continue the shift from contractors repairing the LCS to Sailors operating and fixing their own warships. Fielding innovative warfighting capability, including airborne tactical scouting, Minneapolis-Saint Paul and her crew were ready on arrival, delivering combat power for fleet commanders. They are a tremendously cohesive warfighting team."
While assigned to TASK FORCE 45/Destroyer Squadron 40, operating primarily in the Caribbean Sea, Minneapolis-Saint Paul achieved successful counter-narcotics interdictions upon arriving in the AOR. The crew seized an historic amount of over 7,153 kgs (15,737 lbs) of narcotics, worth a total of just under $195 million. This was executed with the embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 104 and 108, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 Detachment 3, U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Patrol Aircraft, AEROSONDE sUAS, and the ship's organic boat crew and partnered nations.
During its first port visit to Curacao, Minneapolis-Saint Paul welcomed Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet, for an official engagement with distinguished military and civic leaders. This engagement served to strengthen international relationships and advance regional maritime partnerships.
While deployed, Minneapolis-Saint Paul conducted a bilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise with the Colombian Navy. This collaborative training event significantly enhanced tactical interoperability, strengthened operational coordination, and laid the groundwork for future combined maritime security operations involving ship platforms.
During operations off the coast of Jamaica, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, in partnership with the Jamaican Defense Force Coast Guard and utilizing its surface and airborne assets, conducted an interdiction demonstration aimed at fostering interagency training and enhancing interoperability. Upon conclusion of this training, Minneapolis-Saint Paul conducted a port visit in Kingston and participated in community relations initiatives and a key leader engagement commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the Jamaican Defense Force Coast Guard.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two (LCSRON TWO). Located in Mayport, Florida, LCSRON TWO oversees all operational and administrative tasking of nine independently-assigned LCSs. LCSs are a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments and winning again 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
