Third Navy destroyer heads to southern waters as administration strengthens maritime border security
Share this @internewscast.com

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

On Friday, the Navy revealed it is dispatching a third destroyer to the southern border to bolster the ongoing initiatives aimed at monitoring the U.S.-Mexico boundary, with the goal of reducing illegal immigration and drug smuggling.

Navy representatives announced that the USS Cole, which is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has left Mayport, Florida, to assist in operations along the southern border.

Earlier this year, the USS Spurance deployed from its homeport of San Diego, and the USS Gravely deployed from its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia.

Both ships are currently navigating waters adjacent to Mexico, each carrying a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) team. These crews will collaborate closely with the Coast Guard to disrupt drug trafficking activities.

USS Gravely

The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anderson W. Branch)

“USS Gravely remains at the forefront of maritime operations, ready to take on any challenge,” USS Gravely Cmdr. Gregory Piorun said. “We will continue to stand strong, protect vital waters, and ensure that justice prevails. True to our motto, we remain always, ‘First to Conquer.’”

USS Spruance

The USS Spruance deploys to the U.S. Northern Command Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Navy)

Gravely helped seize an estimated 860 pounds of illegal drugs from a vessel in the Caribbean Sea on May 25. The interdiction by Gravely was conducted by the ship’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team alongside a LEDET assigned to the ship.

The VBSS team boarded the vessel and discovered and seized 19 bales of cocaine, with an approximate weight of 860 pounds, estimated to be valued at more than $13.6 million, according to the Navy.

“This operation supports the administration’s focus on integrated homeland defense and maritime border security,” Capt. Raymond Jackson, commanding officer of Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, said. “By uniting Coast Guard law enforcement expertise with Navy reach and surveillance, we’re enhancing deterrence, increasing domain awareness and reinforcing our commitment to protecting the homeland.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Vermont Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Middlebury College Student

Authorities in Vermont have initiated an extensive search for a missing senior…
New take on twisted '90s thriller 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe Lead Riveting Remake of 90s Thriller ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

In Hollywood, a fresh reimagining of a classic thriller is making waves.…
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
Kyoto hikes tourist tax by 900% amid overtourism surge

Kyoto Implements 900% Increase in Tourist Tax in Response to Overtourism Surge

Kyoto is set to significantly increase its accommodation fees starting March 2026,…
NFL's Roger Goodell's Weakness on Full Display With Response About Choosing Bad Bunny for Super Bowl

Roger Goodell Faces Criticism Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Choice

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s tenure appears overdue for an end, especially after…
Chicago teacher accused of mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination portrayed as victim by school principal

Chicago Educator Allegedly Mocks Charlie Kirk Assassination, School Principal Defends Her Actions

The principal of a Chicago elementary school appeared to frame a controversial…
'Chicago P.D.' star Patrick John Flueger takes sudden leave of absence

Chicago P.D. Star Patrick John Flueger Announces Unexpected Leave of Absence: What Fans Need to Know

Adam Ruzek is stepping away from the Intelligence Unit — at least…
Mother of baby abandoned at Penn Station in New York City arrested in Queens

Queens Authorities Arrest Mother of Baby Found Abandoned at Penn Station, NYC

NEW YORK — The mother of an infant girl discovered abandoned at…
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…