The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser departed from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday for a mission in the 4th Fleet area of operations, covering the Caribbean and Central and South America.

This deployment is focused on aiding efforts to prevent illegal drug trafficking along the coasts of the U.S. and its partner nations. The cruiser will also serve as a platform for Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50 and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404.

It plans to engage in joint activities with regional partners and make strategic port visits to address various security concerns, primarily related to the illegal drug trade.