USS Thach thwarts drug traffickers
The USS Thach is slated to return to homeport San Diego today, returning early from its deployment because of sequestration cuts.
The guided-missile frigate departed San Diego January 8, on a mission to combat drug trafficking in the Pacific (see video from AFP posted up top).
According to the Navy, the Thach helped seize more than 379 kilograms of cocaine and more than 1,100 pounds of marijuana with a street value of at least $10 million.
Thach Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Hans E. Lynch, said returning home early from deployment is bittersweet:
"Our counter-narcotics mission is valuable to the U.S. and our partner nations but I'm glad that we are all able to reunite with our loved ones back here in San Diego."
In addition to taking part in Operation Martillo, the Thach crew also participated in Project Handclasp, helping to rehab an elementary school in Panama.
