The U.S. Navy has deployed a third destroyer to patrol southern waters near Mexico as part of its efforts to strengthen border security. The USS Cole, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, has departed Mayport, Florida, to support U.S. Northern Command’s border security objectives. This move follows the deployment of the USS Spurance and the USS Gravely, with both vessels working alongside the Coast Guard to intercept drug trafficking operations and combat illegal immigration.
Earlier this year, the USS Spurance deployed from its homeport of San Diego, and the USS Gravely departed from its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, to begin operations in waters on either side of Mexico. Both vessels are now sailing in the region with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) team aboard. The collaboration between the Navy and Coast Guard aims to enhance the interception capabilities against drug trafficking networks and illegal migration flows into the United States.
The USS Cole will take over duties from the USS Gravely and commence similar operations in support of the U.S. Northern Command’s border security objectives. The Gravely entered the Gulf of America on March 15, and since then has received support from P-8 aircraft assigned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. This aerial support enables more effective monitoring of maritime traffic, allowing the Coast Guard to identify and respond to illicit activities in the region.
One notable drug interdiction operation was conducted by the USS Gravely on May 25, when the ship’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, working with a LEDET assigned to the ship, discovered and seized 19 bales of cocaine weighing approximately 860 pounds. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth over $13.6 million. This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of combined efforts between the Navy and Coast Guard in disrupting drug trafficking routes.
Captain Raymond Jackson, commanding officer of Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, stated that the collaboration aims to support the administration’s focus on integrated homeland defense and maritime border security. By combining the Coast Guard’s law enforcement expertise with the Navy’s reach and surveillance capabilities, authorities are enhancing deterrence and ensuring greater domain awareness. This partnership reinforces the commitment to protecting U.S. maritime borders and securing the homeland against illegal activities.