Key Highlights:

• The USS Gravely, a U.S. Navy destroyer, has been tasked to help secure the southern border.
• This deployment aligns with President Trump's ongoing efforts to enhance border security.
• The ship, equipped with a specialized Coast Guard team, aims to address both domestic and international maritime threats.
• Previously, the Gravely was involved in active combat against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
• This mission showcases a significant shift by utilizing naval resources for land-based border security issues.

The Pentagon announced the deployment of the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, to the U.S. southern border in a move aimed at bolstering security initiatives related to immigration. Business Insider reports that the warship set sail from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Virginia, under orders that categorize the mission as essential for addressing national security concerns.

General Gregory Guillot, who oversees U.S. Northern Command, stated, “Gravely’s sea-going capacity improves our ability to protect the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security.” This deployment comes as part of President Trump’s executive orders that declared a national emergency at the border, reflecting escalating demands for stricter immigration policies. NPR highlights that the ship will operate in both domestic and international waters, enhancing maritime law enforcement efforts.

Equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, the Gravely is set to tackle various missions concerning maritime terrorism, illegal seaborne immigration, and drug trafficking, thereby expanding the military's traditional role in border security. As outlined in reports from The Hill, the deployment signifies the military's increased involvement in domestic affairs unprecedented for military vessels of such capability.

Previously engaged in operations against Houthi forces in the Red Sea, the USS Gravely brings considerable combat experience, having been active in close engagements involving missile defense and maritime strikes. This latest move underscores the ongoing strategy to utilize all available assets to address perceived threats at the southern border, positioning the U.S. Navy in a role that expands beyond traditional maritime operations.