Pentagon deploys Navy destroyer for border protection in history-making move

President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure the U.S. border will now include a Navy warship.

The U.S. Navy announced that an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be operating in U.S. and international waters after it left from Virginia on Saturday. The USS Gravely, which was recently deployed to the Middle East defending against Houthi attacks, will have a special U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) aboard as it responds to Trump’s national emergency declaration.

“As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is exactly what I am going to do,” Trump said during his inaugural speech in January.

Ready for Tasking!

USS Gravely (DDG 107) departed Naval Weapons Station Yorktown for deployment in support of @USNorthernCmd. The deployment will strengthen maritime security and presence.

Read more https://t.co/HsPfHGMhoU#USNORTHCOM #Readiness #usnavy

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) March 16, 2025

“USS Gravely’s deployment will contribute to the U.S. Northern Command southern border mission as part of the DOD’s coordinated effort in response to the Presidential Executive Order,” said Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander, U.S. Northern Command. “Gravely’s sea-going capacity improves our ability to protect the United States’ territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security.”

“The ship’s deployment highlights the Department of Defense and Navy’s dedication to national security priorities, contributing to a coordinated and robust response to combating maritime related terrorism, weapons proliferation, transnational crime, piracy, environmental destruction, and illegal seaborne immigration,” the press release read.

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell spoke about the Gravely’s mission during a press conference.

MAKING HISTORY: USS GRAVELY DEPLOYMENT TO GULF OF AMERICA
“93% decrease in border crossing, we will not stop until we have 100% operational control of our southern border.” @SeanParnellUSA pic.twitter.com/hbYKS6lGH9

— Real America’s Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) March 17, 2025

“The deployment of Gravely marks a vital enhancement to our nation’s border security framework,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, of U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command. “In collaboration with our interagency partners, Gravely strengthens our maritime presence and exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to national security and safeguarding our territorial integrity with professionalism and resolve.”

Senior Staff Writer
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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