The guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift, which rescued a family from a stricken sailboat in April, will pull out of Naval Base San Diego on Friday for an independent deployment to the Central America region.
The Vandegrift recently rescued a family of four who were attempting to sail around the world when their baby daughter became ill and their boat was damaged. Navy personnel pulled Charlotte and Eric Kaufman, daughter Cora, and baby Lyra, from the stricken, 36-foot Rebel Heart about 925 miles off Cabo San Lucas.
The rescue cost nearly $700,000, according to news reports.
While away on its new mission, the 453-foot-long Vandegrift and its crew of about 200 sailors will counter organized crime that conducts illegal drug trafficking activities in coastal waters, according to Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs Office.
An anti-drug trafficking Coast Guard team and helicopter crew will also be aboard the Vandegrift for its mission.
“My officers and crew are ready and fully prepared as we head out to conduct this very important mission with our maritime partner nations,” said Cmdr. Luis Alva, commanding officer of the Vandegrift.
The Vandegrift is named for the late General Alexander Vandegrift, a Medal of Honor recipient who led Marines in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II and later served as 18th commandant of the United States Marine Corp.
— City News Service
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