040501-N-7586B-122, Gulf of Oman (May 1, 2004) – Members of the Vessel Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) team return to the guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) in a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) after searching several fishing dhows in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Bart Bauer. (RELEASED)
Below is a US 2nd Fleet news release.
News about Navy ships deployed to 4th Fleet has been sparse, but recently I noted the return of a destroyer, USS Farragut, from the 4th Fleet and remarked on how I was surprised they used a DDG rather than an LCS for this drug interdiction mission. Before they were all decommissioned, these missions were typically done by Perry class frigates. DDGs have been used in the past but lately the mission has been done almost exclusively by LCS. At one point in 2020, the administration made a big point of “surging” ships to the Drug interdiction zone, but in fact, that only happened because the carrier in a carrier strike group was unable to make its deployment and the escorts were suddenly at loose ends and available.
Cruisers are normally AAW coordinators for carrier strike groups. Deploying one independently to 4th Fleet is rare indeed.
Again, I suspect they may be there for reasons unrelated to drug interdiction. The DDG apparently stayed in the Caribbean rather than entering the Eastern Pacific, where we have a greater shortage of capable drug interdiction assets.
USS LEYTE GULF DEPLOYS FROM NORFOLK TO U.S. 4TH FLEET
By Lt.J.G. Jayden Hodgson, USS Leyte Gulf Public Affairs
28 January 2024, NORFOLK, Va. —
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) departed Naval Station Norfolk on deployment, Jan. 28.
Leyte Gulf will independently deploy to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.
Throughout the fall, the ship conducted extensive underway operations throughout the Western Atlantic in preparation for their tasking.
“Leyte Gulf and her crew are excited to work with our partner nations and services to maintain maritime security and interoperability in the Caribbean and South American areas of operation,” said Capt. Nate Diaz, commanding officer of Leyte Gulf.
The ship’s crew is comprised of more than 40 officers and nearly 350 enlisted Sailors.
“The crew continued to display a high level of proficiency and readiness during our sustainment phase,” said Leyte Gulf Command Master Chief Jason Kutsch. “We look forward to exercising the capabilities of our ship and crew while deployed.”
While deployed, Leyte Gulf will host Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 and Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404 to provide robust expertise in keeping illegal drugs from reaching the shores of the U.S. and its regional partner nations. Leyte Gulf is scheduled to conduct passing exercises with other regional partners as well as several theater security cooperation port visits to strengthen maritime partnerships, enhance U.S. maritime posture and counter threats such as illicit drug trafficking.
Leyte Gulf was commissioned Sept. 26, 1987, and commemorates the largest naval battle in modern history fought in Oct. 1944. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was critical in turning the tide in the Pacific during World War II.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
I’m guessing likely connected to Venezuela’s threats against Guyana?
Yes, that is what I was thinking when the Farragut returned. Could provide strong deterrent against Venezuelan air or naval operations against Guyana and they probably have electronic intelligence capability too.
Probably a good idea with all the stuff going on lately. Last thing we need is war in South America.
USS Leyte Gulf was mentioned in this news release regarding USCGC Vigilant’s recent 60 day Caribbean patrol.
March 4, 2024US Coast Guard rescues 2, assists in interdicting 1,200 pounds of cocaine during Caribbean deployment
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC 617) returned home to Cape Canaveral, Sunday, following a 60-day patrol in the Central and Eastern Caribbean.
Deploying in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, Vigilant worked alongside other Coast Guard cutters, Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security units, and international partners to conduct maritime safety and security missions. Vigilant deterred illegal drug smuggling and directly contributed to U.S. Coast Guard and national objectives to combat transnational criminal organizations.
During the patrol, Vigilant’s crew responded to a distress signal from a French-flagged sailing vessel. The signal came from two French crew members who were stranded at sea for over eight days with no means of propulsion and no remaining drinking water. Vigilant was first on scene and provided them with water, shelter, and medical aid until their safe return home was coordinated.
Additionally, Vigilant assisted USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) in stopping a drug trafficking venture, detaining six suspected drug traffickers, and interdicting 1,200 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $15.7 million.
In addition, Vigilant conducted a professional exchange with officials in St. Lucia as well as St. Kitts and Nevis. Vigilant worked to promote regional stability, security and strengthen partnerships. Members of the crew also conducted a community relations project in Basseterre, St. Kitts, where they joined members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force to paint two classrooms at a local school.
“As always, I couldn’t be prouder of our crew and our continued heritage of service,” said Cmdr. Jon Potterton, the commanding officer of Vigilant. “We enjoyed a great patrol where we were able to save lives and gain a greater appreciation for our Eastern Caribbean partner nation’s cultures and strengthen bonds through training and volunteerism.”
Vigilant is a 210-foot Reliance-class medium endurance cutter. The cutter’s primary missions are counter drug operations, migrant interdiction, enforcement of federal fishery laws and search and rescue in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations. The medium endurance cutter is under the command of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf. In addition to surge operations, Atlantic Area also allocates ships to deploy to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific to combat transnational organized crime and illicit maritime activity.
For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit http://www.GoCoastGuard.com to learn more about active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.