The Pentagon has dispatched a U.S. Navy destroyer to patrol the waters near the U.S.-Mexico border, a move signaling President Donald Trump’s intensified push to secure American sovereignty. The USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, departed from Virginia on Saturday, carrying a Coast Guard law enforcement team tasked with intercepting smugglers and deterring illegal maritime crossings.
The warship’s mission falls under Trump’s executive order addressing border security threats, reinforcing efforts already in place on land. U.S. Northern Command Commander Gen. Gregory Guillot stated that the destroyer’s presence enhances the military’s ability to “protect the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security.”
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
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized the broader objective, stating that controlling territorial waters is as critical as securing the land border. The USS Gravely will work in coordination with the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection to curb drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and maritime threats.
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
The deployment follows an increase in migrant boat landings near the California coast. Coast Guard officials have noted a rise in attempts by foreign nationals from adversarial nations, including China and Russia, to enter the country through maritime smuggling networks.
🚨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
The choice to use a destroyer rather than a Coast Guard cutter has raised questions, but defense officials say the move underscores Trump’s commitment to border security. While the ship is equipped with advanced weapons systems, its primary role will be to support law enforcement operations.
The USS Gravely’s deployment highlights the administration’s approach to addressing illegal immigration from all angles, reinforcing the message that there are no open routes — by land or sea — into the country. Officials have not indicated how long the destroyer will remain on station, but its presence is expected to deter smuggling operations.
