SBR, HSL-60 Det 2 Return To Mayport

Operating under the tactical control of Joint Inter-Agency Task Force-South, Sammy B. traveled in support of the Department of Defense and U. S. Southern Command's role in the fight against drugs. Their assistance came in the form of support in intelligence, detection and monitoring, training, planning, and communications support.

To aid with the counter illicit trafficking mission, the "Smooth Operators" of HSL-60 Detachment 2 from Mayport embarked on Sammy B. Also embarked were three separate U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDET) from Miami, Florida; LEDETs 402, 403, and 408.

The first half of Sammy B's deployment began with a transit from Mayport down to Panama, through the Panama Canal, earning the crew the Order of the Ditch citation. Once through the canal, Sammy B immediately began patrolling the Eastern Pacific with great success.

By way of keen lookouts, inter-agency cooperation, high speed pursuits, and the partnering of capable pilots and Sailors, Sammy B. was able to make five separate drug busts, capturing over 7.9 metric tons of cocaine, with a street value of approximately $557 million.

In the process of patrolling, Sammy B. received word of a vessel in distress, and thanks to some quick reaction time, was able to safely recover four Mexican fishermen whose vessel had swamped. The fishermen were later delivered to USCG authorities for further transport back to Mexico.

During the first two and a half months of deployment in the Pacific, from Oct. 5- Dec. 12, the crew was able to enjoy some well deserved time off in the liberty port of Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Panama City on multiple occasions.

In November, one such port visit was abruptly cut short as Sammy B was ordered underway in support of the humanitarian effort from severe flooding in Panama. The "Smooth Operators" stepped up to the plate and flew multiple surveillance missions to help determine the extent of the damage.

On Nov. 21, at 084 39.0' West, the pollywogs of Samuel B. Roberts became honorable shellbacks as they crossed the equator, in an arduous and time-honored ceremony. This was a proud moment for every Sammy B crew member.

As the first half of deployment came to a close, Samuel B. Roberts welcomed Cmdr. Chuck L. Sellers as its new commanding officer. Sellers, whose most recent assignment was as a student at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, quickly became accustomed to Sammy B, and embraced her legacy of "No Higher Honor."

In December, the Sammy B returned to Mayport for a planned maintenance period, which allowed the ship to be outfitted with the necessary tools to ensure a successful second half of its deployment.

On Dec. 27, Sammy B once again began the trek south to interdict drug runners, remaining in the Western Caribbean to conduct its operations.

Throughout the second half of deployment, Sammy B enjoyed port visits in Colon, Panama, Cozumel, Mexico, and Cartagena, Columbia. While in Cartagena, the Sammy B. hosted the Director of the Columbia Naval Academy, Adm. Ordonez onboard for a tour with 12 Columbian Ensigns.

Throughout the second half, Sammy B. worked closely with the Columbian Navy on several occasions which was rewarding and helped to strengthen U.S. relations with Columbia.

Each nation was able to assist the other in the detainment of narcotics, as well as support multiple search and rescue operations.

Samuel B. Roberts' Visit Board Search and Seizure Team directly assisted the LEDET in boarding two vessels, which was a great opportunity for the VBSS team to assist in countering the drug traffic in the western Caribbean and strengthen their boarding skills.

Additionally, Sammy B hosted U.S. Army aviators from Joint Task Force-Bravo onboard to support the unit in their deck landing qualifications and giving the flight deck crew of Sammy B. the opportunity to hone their skills by diversifying their flight deck evolutions.

Sammy B. continued her work in the Caribbean until it was time to pull into Roatan, Honduras for some well-deserved liberty. While at anchor, Sailors spent two days engaged in a community relations project with Elfreda Brooks Primary PROHECO School in Coxen Hole, Roatan, a community-based public bilingual school for 278 children grades 1-6.

In addition to community service, Sammy B, hosted 12 Sailors from the Honduran Navy aboard for two days of VBSS demonstrations, Damage Control practicals, and the ability to experience what life is like as a Sammy B, Sailor.

The strengthened relationship developed between the Honduran and U,S, Navy culminated in a friendly soccer game and ceremony, at which time Sammy B, donated many Project Handclasp items to local schools and clinics.

The port visit also included a visit and tour of the ship by the U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, several officials, members of the Honduran Navy, the Mayor of Roatan, and members of the U.S. Military Group in Honduras. Sammy B was truly honored by the visit and proudly showed off the hard work of the crew to keep her in top shape. She beamed with pride as she displayed her rich history and top notch crew.

During the lingering weeks of deployment, Sammy B, ventured north for one last liberty port visit in the Grand Cayman Islands, a welcome reward for six long months at sea. On April 4, 42 Tigers, comprised of crew friends and family members, joined the ship in Port Everglades, Florida for a two day Tiger Cruise that gave Tigers the opportunity to sample the life on board the Sammy B. Six months and one day after departing Naval Station Mayport, the Sailors and Tigers of Samuel B. Roberts manned the rails for an emotional and much anticipated homecoming ceremony.