Navy Set to Deploy Second Destroyer for U.S.-Mexico Border Patrol
The U.S. Navy is deploying a second destroyer to patrol the U.S.-Mexico waters, complementing the USS Gravely. This action is part of the government’s strategy to enhance immigration enforcement and drug interdiction efforts. Deployment with Coast Guard law enforcement teams aims for improved border security.
The U.S. Navy is set to deploy a second destroyer to patrol the waters adjacent to the U.S. and Mexico by the end of this week. This action follows the recent deployment of the USS Gravely, which began its mission over the weekend as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to intensify immigration enforcement at the southern border, according to an unnamed U.S. official from Military.com.
The USS Gravely is one of the destroyers dispatched, leaving a Virginia naval base carrying a Coast Guard law enforcement team. This collaboration aims to enable maritime operations, such as drug interdictions and other enforcement missions. The administration has already mobilized thousands of troops and labeled Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations to combat border transgressions.
On Tuesday, the Coast Guard announced its success in intercepting maritime drug shipments while alluding to the deployment of additional Navy ships. Cmdr. Liza Dougherty from Northern Command refrained from confirming the second destroyer’s deployment but noted that “these U.S. Navy warships” would support Coast Guard operations effectively.
Acting Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday stated that these naval vessels provide capabilities that enhance the Coast Guard’s efforts to secure full operational control over U.S. borders. Navy destroyers, with superior armament compared to Coast Guard cutters, facilitate significant enforcement capabilities, carrying numerous missiles, including Tomahawk Land Attack cruise missiles.
Currently, Navy destroyers are focused on assisting the Coast Guard in border patrols, as evidenced by remarks from Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, who stated that the Gravely would engage in drug interdiction efforts. Although the duration of the destroyers’ deployment is undetermined, the phrase “scheduled deployment” indicates a potential multi-month mission ahead.
Deploying two warships for extended operations near U.S. shores is atypical for Northern Command, which predominantly operates to defend the homeland. While short-term exercises are not uncommon, prolonged deployments have been rare in the command’s history, particularly outside of emergency situations, with the last significant event cited being the Battle of Vera Cruz in 1914.
The impending deployment of two Navy destroyers to patrol waters off the U.S. and Mexico marks a significant effort to enhance border security and drug interdiction. This decision reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to addressing immigration and drug trafficking concerns, utilizing military resources in collaboration with the Coast Guard. Such deployments are rare for Northern Command, indicating the seriousness of the current operations.
Original Source: www.military.com
