The U.S. Department of Defense has deployed the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, to enhance security along the U.S.-Mexico border. This mission marks a significant shift from traditional border patrol methods, as naval assets are typically not assigned to land border security.
Deployment Details:
- Departure: The USS Gravely departed from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown in Virginia on March 15, 2025.
- Mission Objective: The deployment aims to bolster U.S. Northern Command’s efforts to protect national sovereignty and security at the southern border.
- Operational Support: A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) is embarked aboard the USS Gravely to assist with maritime law enforcement operations, including counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, and combating illegal seaborne activities.
This initiative represents an unprecedented use of naval resources for border security, highlighting the Department of Defense’s commitment to exploring diverse strategies to address complex security challenges.