Navy to Deploy Second Destroyer for U.S.-Mexico Border Patrol This Week
The U.S. Navy plans to deploy a second destroyer to the U.S.-Mexico border this week in support of immigration enforcement, joining the USS Gravely. Both vessels will assist the Coast Guard in drug interdictions, marking a rare multi-warship deployment by Northern Command, typically focused on homeland defense.
The U.S. Navy is set to deploy a second destroyer to patrol waters off the U.S.-Mexico border by the end of this week, following the initial deployment of the USS Gravely last Saturday. A U.S. official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the new destroyer will launch from the West Coast to provide support amid the Trump administration’s efforts to control immigration and border security.
The USS Gravely, which departed from Virginia, carries a Coast Guard law enforcement unit, enabling it to engage in operations such as drug interdictions. The administration’s measures include the allocation of thousands of troops to the southern border and the classification of Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, emphasizing a strong stance on immigration enforcement.
The Coast Guard hinted at the second warship’s deployment through a recent statement discussing its collaboration with multiple Navy ships in drug interdiction successes. Commander Liza Dougherty of Northern Command refrained from confirming the second destroyer’s deployment but indicated that multiple naval vessels are supporting Coast Guard efforts.
The statement from the Coast Guard emphasized that these Navy ships would assist in operations to attain comprehensive control over the border. Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday noted the strategic advantage of deploying Navy ships alongside Coast Guard operations for effective border security.
The USS Gravely, equipped with advanced weaponry including 96 missiles, signifies a significant escalation in maritime enforcement compared to Coast Guard cutters. However, current missions focus on aiding the Coast Guard rather than offensive actions, as articulated by Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich regarding the destroyer’s role in drug interdiction.
The duration of the destroyers’ mission remains unspecified due to operational security, although indications suggest that their deployment could extend over several months. Such extensive naval deployments in U.S. waters are rare, as Northern Command typically handles defense of the homeland rather than prolonged military operations.
Historically, deployments of Navy vessels for extended periods outside disaster responses are uncommon. Officials noted that significant military events in this context have been infrequent since the early 20th century, with notable precedents being the Battle of Vera Cruz in 1914, reflecting the rarity of such mobilizations in recent history.
The deployment of two naval destroyers to the waters off the U.S.-Mexico border marks an unusual military presence aimed at addressing immigration enforcement and drug interdiction. The USS Gravely and the upcoming second destroyer will bolster Coast Guard operations, with the potential for an extended mission duration. This strategic move underscores the administration’s commitment to border security amidst heightened tensions surrounding immigration policy.
Original Source: www.military.com
