“Increased US joint and naval presence in regional operations and exercises will encourage partner forces, to include navies, to participate in regional security efforts such as HA/DR [humanitarian assistance and disaster relief], CN [counter-narcotics] and CT [counter-terrorism],” Faller said.
Feller explained that SOUTHCOM contracted the vessel — a littoral combat ship – with congressional support in order to help fill capability gaps.
The vessel will be employed to support US and partner nation law enforcement in counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations, Feller said.
The SOUTHCOM commander characterized the vessel’s mission as being “fit for this region” and said the US military welcomes its deployment this year.
The US military is leveraging its growing science and technology portfolio to mitigate gaps in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, Feller added.