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
Man found dead in abandoned Tuscaloosa County residence

Tragic Discovery: Deceased Man Found in Abandoned Tuscaloosa Home Sparks Investigation

In Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, investigators from the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (TVCU)…
Doug Martin, Bay Area-born NFL star, former Boise State and Oakland Raiders running back, dies at 36, family says

Bay Area NFL Alum and Former Raiders Running Back Doug Martin Passes Away at 36

In a somber announcement, the family of Doug Martin, the former standout…
City of Chicago files lawsuit against Trump admin. over alleged unlawful restrictions of federal emergency grants

Chicago Sues Trump Administration Over Alleged Federal Emergency Grant Restrictions

In a bold move, the City of Chicago has taken legal action…
Brazen Louvre robbery crew may have been hired by collector, prosecutor says

Prosecutor Suggests Collector Might Be Behind Daring Louvre Heist

In a bold heist reminiscent of a movie plot, the Louvre Museum…
Sapelo Seven monument in Jacksonville

Discover the Inspiring Story Behind the Sapelo Seven Monument in Jacksonville

A year has passed since the tragic incident where seven lives were…
Taylor Swift emerges with Travis Kelce to celebrate Chiefs win against Raiders

Taylor Swift Joins Travis Kelce in Celebration as Kansas City Chiefs Triumph Over Raiders

Fresh from their victory at Arrowhead Stadium, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce…
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message sentenced to 2 to 4 years for 2013 campus assault

Man Sentenced to 2-4 Years in Prison for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

In a case that underscores the challenges faced by victims of campus…
Bank robbers turn blue state into hot spot for heists as bandits grow bolder, industry leader warns

Surge in Bank Heists: Blue State Becomes Unlikely Crime Hub Amid Bold Robberies, Industry Experts Alert

In recent years, while the nation has seen a general decrease in…
University fires Turning Point USA table flipper from teaching assistant role after campus outburst

University Dismisses Teaching Assistant Following Viral Turning Point USA Confrontation

An Illinois State University teaching assistant has been dismissed following an incident…
Pilot Injured in United Airlines 737 MAX Emergency Landing

United Airlines 737 MAX Makes Emergency Landing: Pilot Injured in Mid-Air Incident

A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 140 passengers from Denver…
US man arrested in Scotland and convicted of Utah rape gets at least 5 years in prison

Utah Rape Convict, Caught in Scotland, Receives Minimum 5-Year Sentence

In Salt Lake City, a Utah judge delivered a sentence on Monday…
Crypto Scam warning: North Carolina man's account drained of $80,00 after he clicked on a link for a virtual meeting

Beware: North Carolina Resident Loses $80,000 to Crypto Scam After Clicking Virtual Meeting Link

Kenneth Nicholson, a Durham, North Carolina native, is deeply immersed in the…