Concur, I did LEO ops (chased druggies)in the Caribbean in the early 90’s from Knox and Perry class frigates flying H-2’s. Pretty much a big waste of resources.
So you flew the SH-2 Sea Sprite and then transitioned to the CH-46? What was that like?
They're still doing it, minus the helos. My young cousin is a boarding-party leaders aboard a Perry-class FF (derated after her Standard launchers were pulled: FF's/FFG's no longer accompany CBG's in hot areas because they're not integrated into the AEGIS picture .... and presumably because of the Stark's experience). He sees Mayport often, on his way to blue water. They do yank some significant hauls of cocaine out of circulation, and some video circulated on the Net a year or so ago of their British colleagues using one drug-runner for target practice after she'd been emptied out, eventually concluding the demo/practice with an offering from the Ministry of Loud Noises.
Some of the FF's are being retired now .... they're 30 years old .... one was found to have hull plating with patches that were 1/8" thick. Inspection FAIL ....