MAYPORT, Fla. \u2014 The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS St. Louis left Naval Station Mayport on Sunday in support of a mission to secure the U.S.\u2019s southern border, a Mayport spokeswoman said.<\/p>\n
St. Louis is scheduled to assume duties previously executed by USS Cooperstown, which returned to its homeport at Mayport on August 31.<\/p>\n
The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats, officials said in a news release. <\/p>\n
U.S. Northern Command is working with the Department of Homeland Security to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Navy assets are supporting interdiction missions targeting illegal drugs and other unlawful activity, trade publication Defense Industry Europe reported.<\/p>\n
The St. Louis has spent the majority of its service patrolling the coasts of the Americas to secure interests and trade. It has also served as the flagship for the West Indies Squadron working to suppress piracy in the Caribbean Sea, the Antilles and the Gulf of Mexico region.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur crew has trained relentlessly for this deployment, and they stand ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. I could not be more proud to lead these Sailors,\u201d said Cmdr. Lester Shewmaker, commanding officer of USS St. Louis.<\/p>\n
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