In a move rarely seen before, a powerful U.S. Navy warship, the USS Gravely, has been deployed to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border. This warship is a guided-missile destroyer that has been involved in high-risk military operations overseas, including shooting down attacks by Iran-backed rebels in the Middle East. Now, it is being sent closer to home to protect U.S. territorial waters along the southern border.
Normally, protecting this area falls under the U.S. Coast Guard’s duties. However, with this new mission, the Pentagon is stepping in to strengthen border security in response to executive orders from leadership. The USS Gravely left its base in Virginia over the weekend and is now headed to its new assignment under the U.S. Northern Command, which is responsible for military operations in North America.
The Role of USS Gravely in Border Security
The USS Gravely is a large and heavily armed destroyer, built to defend against missile threats and conduct high-tech surveillance at sea. While the ship is not designed specifically for border security, it is being used as part of an effort to close security gaps along the southern border. Officials say that it brings “maritime capabilities” to help stop illegal activities in the region.
The ship’s mission includes preventing threats like drug smuggling, illegal immigration by sea, and even piracy. It will also be working to prevent the movement of weapons and other dangerous materials across the border. This operation is being handled by the U.S. Northern Command, which has been tasked with implementing new security measures at the border.
Tariff Uncertainty Forces Samsung to Stop Investment and Cut Jobs in Mexico
To assist in this mission, the USS Gravely will have specialized teams from the U.S. Coast Guard on board. These teams, called Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDET), are trained to handle various security threats at sea. Their tasks will include intercepting unauthorized boats, stopping smugglers, and preventing criminals from sneaking into the U.S. through the water. These teams are also trained for anti-terrorism operations, military combat, and humanitarian aid if needed.
A Stronger Military Presence at the Border
This move is part of a larger military effort to tighten control at the U.S.-Mexico border. Along with the USS Gravely, there are nearly 10,000 troops stationed at the border to provide additional support. Reports indicate that a Stryker brigade combat team, a highly mobile military force, is also being sent to reinforce land-based security efforts.
Desperate Moves: Mexico’s High-Stakes Battle to Avoid U.S. Tariffs
Officials state that securing the southern border involves both land and sea operations, which is why the Navy has now been brought in. While the land border stretches nearly 2,000 miles across mountains, deserts, and rivers, there are also water routes that smugglers and illegal immigrants attempt to use. The USS Gravely is expected to help seal off these maritime routes and add an extra layer of security to the border.
Despite the heightened military presence, critics argue that border traffic is already at record low levels, making this deployment more of a symbolic move rather than a necessary action. Others believe that using a warship, usually assigned to combat missions, for border security is an unusual and excessive step.
Fear and Fraud: The Criminal Group That Exploited a U.S.-Mexico Trade Route
Regardless of differing opinions, the USS Gravely is now officially part of the border security framework. As it takes on its new role, it will be closely watched to see how a warship typically used for international conflicts performs in this domestic security mission.
