U.S. Marine UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper Helicopters Take Key Role in Counter-Drug Naval Boarding Operations

U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters supported a September maritime interdiction against an illicit refuelling vessel in the eastern Pacific. Under U.S. Southern Command, a UH-1Y covered the boarding and clearance before forces sank the unmanned vessel, employing rockets and an M134 7.62 mm Minigun during the operation. The paired aircraft give Littoral Combat Force-24 transport, reconnaissance, persistent overwatch and heavier armed protection for boarding teams. Officials said personnel had been removed beforehand, framing the mission as an operational counter-trafficking action rather than a conventional naval engagement.