A U.S. Navy destroyer has been sent to patrol waters near the U.S.-Mexico border as part of President Donald Trump’s latest push to secure America’s territorial integrity. The USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer, left its home port in Virginia on Saturday, carrying a Coast Guard law enforcement detachment tasked with intercepting drug traffickers and illegal immigrants attempting to enter the country by sea.
Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, confirmed the move, stating that the destroyer’s deployment is a response to Trump’s executive orders aimed at strengthening border security. “Gravely’s sea-going capacity improves our ability to protect the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty and security,” he said.
We are finally stopping this DESTRUCTIVE INVASION ON OUR BORDER:
– Trump just deployed a Navy Destroyer Ship to the Border to deter illegals from crossing
– DHS announced SEVEN new miles of border wall in ArizonaIllegal entries HAVE GONE DOWN BY 95%! pic.twitter.com/M7SbrJMn9X
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) March 17, 2025
The USS Gravely, which previously operated in the Red Sea defending against Iranian-backed Houthi missile attacks, will now focus on combating maritime threats closer to home. The Department of Defense says this mission aligns with its broader strategy to counter transnational crime, weapons proliferation and illegal migration.
Guided Missile Destroyer USS Gravely heads to AMERICA'S southern border on 'Presidential executive order' — NorthCom
Gravely previously shot down Houthi cruise missile in Red Sea in 'closest encounter' yet from Yemeni attack
Is Trump dead serious on illegals? pic.twitter.com/V45GYOsIF5
— DocReQ (@DocReQIsBack) March 16, 2025
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stressed the importance of controlling U.S. waters alongside land-based border enforcement. “This deployment directly supports U.S. Northern Command’s mission to protect our sovereignty,” he told reporters.
🚨NEW: Pentagon deploys Navy destroyer to secure Southern Border.
The USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer recently deployed to the Middle East, departed Saturday to secure the U.S. southern border.
I can’t imagine why.
Tick-tock cartels.
— Walter Curt (@WCdispatch_) March 17, 2025
With Trump’s land border security efforts significantly reducing illegal crossings, smugglers have begun shifting operations to the sea. Coast Guard officials recently reported a spike in migrant boats approaching California, often carrying individuals from adversary nations such as China and Russia.
Some defense officials have raised questions about why a destroyer — armed with Tomahawk missiles and advanced radar systems — was chosen instead of a Coast Guard cutter. However, Pentagon sources say the move serves a dual purpose: providing enhanced interdiction capabilities while sending a strong message to those seeking to exploit the nation’s borders.
The USS Gravely’s deployment represents an unprecedented use of military resources to tackle border security. How long it will remain on station has not been disclosed, but Trump has made clear that securing U.S. sovereignty remains a top priority.
