U.S. Navy to Deploy Second Destroyer Near U.S.-Mexico Border

The U.S. Navy plans to deploy a second destroyer by the end of the week to assist in border patrol operations alongside the USS Gravely, which has already been dispatched. This strategic action is part of enhanced law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking and illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, indicating a stronger military presence in U.S. waters.

The United States Navy is preparing to dispatch a second destroyer to patrol the waters off the U.S. and Mexico by the end of this week, following an initial deployment on Saturday. A U.S. official confirmed that this additional warship will depart from the West Coast to support ongoing efforts aimed at immigration control and border enforcement under the previous administration’s directives.

The USS Gravely left its naval base in Virginia over the weekend, equipped with a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment to facilitate drug interdictions and other maritime security operations. This deployment is part of a larger initiative that has seen thousands of troops sent to the southern border, with the designation of Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, all intended to reduce illegal border crossings.

The Coast Guard hinted at the forthcoming deployment of a second destroyer in a recent statement, emphasizing its collaborative efforts alongside multiple Navy vessels in drug interdiction operations at sea. Cmdr. Liza Dougherty from Northern Command refrained from confirming the specifics of this second deployment, while also highlighting the operational assistance the Navy ships would provide to the Coast Guard.

Adm. Kevin Lunday, the Coast Guard’s acting commandant, emphasized the enhanced capabilities that these Navy destroyers bring to support Coast Guard patrols, stating that they will assist in achieving complete operational control of the border. Notably, the USS Gravely is equipped with extensive armament, capable of carrying 96 missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, although the current focus remains on supporting Coast Guard operations rather than engaging in direct military strikes.

The duration of the destroyers’ mission remains unspecified, though the term “scheduled deployment” used by Northern Command suggests a multi-month operation. The deployment of two warships in this context is an uncommon occurrence, as Northern Command typically oversees defense within U.S. waters, but engages in longer deployments primarily during disaster responses. Military historians noted that significant naval deployments in this region have been rare since historical events such as the Battle of Vera Cruz in 1914.

In summary, the U.S. Navy is set to deploy a second destroyer to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border, joining the USS Gravely. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enforce border security and combat drug trafficking. While the exact duration of the deployment remains uncertain, such a concentration of naval forces in this region marks a significant operational shift, underscoring the administration’s commitment to border control.

Original Source: www.military.com