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USS St. Louis (LCS-19) Empowers Operation Southern Guard at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station
The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19) is anchored at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to assist in expanding the base’s Migrant Operations Center as part of Operation Southern Guard.
Under orders from the President, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD) are implementing removal operations. U.S. Southern Command has established Joint Task Force Migrant Operations (JTF-MIGOPS) at the base for this purpose.
The USS St. Louis is engaged in counter-illicit drug trafficking operations within the Caribbean in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) and is cooperating with partner nations as part of missions for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. It reached NSGB on January 30, and its crew has been offering assistance since then.
“Our crew stands prepared to tackle new assignments as they arise,” stated Cmdr. Timothy J. Orth, commanding officer of the USS St. Louis. “We are privileged to contribute to this significant mission alongside our joint task force allies, displaying our commitment to security and collaboration.”
While docked at NSGB, the sailors are involved in various logistical tasks and setting up tents to expand the Migrant Operations Center. The initial phase aims to raise the center’s capacity to 2,000 migrants, with further expansions underway.
U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay serves as a pivotal forward-operating base, sustaining the U.S. presence in the Caribbean, reinforcing regional security aims, and bolstering homeland defense.
“In collaboration with DHS, we regularly practice our migrant contingency strategies at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet. “This base routinely backs joint and interagency undertakings like this.”
The role of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is to harness and deploy comprehensive combat capabilities to identify, deter, and neutralize harmful influences, respond to crises, and conduct effective operations within the USSOUTHCOM area. Their efforts aim to protect the Homeland, ensure maritime freedom, safeguard U.S. interests in the region, and strengthen alliances and partnerships.