U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet employ forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, fortify the ability of U.S. forces to work with partner nations, and build enduring partnerships, with the goal of enhancing regional security and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean and the Central and South American regions.
Little Rock is expected to conduct operations in support of the multinational Campaign MARTILLO targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along Central America.
The ship’s operations will involve practical exercises and exchanges with partner nations in support of Campaign MARTILLO, launched in January 2012.
Little Rock will also support 4th Fleet interoperability and reinforce the U.S position as the regional partner of choice.
"I expect this deployment to offer a great opportunity to work together with regional partners throughout Southern Command [AOR]," Cmdr. Brad Long, USS Little Rock Gold Crew's commanding officer, said. "We hope to advance and strengthen these partnerships to enhance the security in that region."
Maritime Business World